Saxons showing strong teamwork
It’s a friendship that began in the first grade, and eleven years later, Ferris High School linebackers Curtis Heyamoto and Luke Sedler have forged a lifelong bond on the playing fields of Spokane.
“We played YMCA basketball, flag football, and played baseball in the spring together,” said Sedler. “We became pretty good friends from there.
“In baseball we were teammates a lot. The first time we played football together was in the sixth grade, the first year of tackle football.”
It was on the baseball diamond, though, that Sedler and Heyamoto would discover their similar competitive desire that carries over to the Saxon football defense this fall.
“We played on the Dragons,” said Heyamoto. “We would switch on and off during the season between pitcher and catcher.
“I definitely had the confidence to pitch because I knew he would block the ball on any wild pitches, so I just threw it because I’d know he’d stop it. I was very competitive as well, and I didn’t want anybody to beat me.
“With him being there and doing everything he could, it raised my level of play up. I think us being there for each other, it fired one of us to beat the other.
“It was always a friendly competition. There were no grudges, but it was a friendly rivalry.”
The two friends and teammates have been a big part of a Ferris team that jumped out to a 4-0 start this football season.
Heyamoto, a third-year starter, has been the leader of a defense that has ranked toward the top of the Greater Spokane League all season.
“He’s just one of those kids that’s really bright, and he’s got a good football sense,” said Ferris head coach Clarence Hough. “Some kids are bright but don’t have that concept of the big picture, of how the sport works.
“He’s broadened his football horizons beyond of just what his position does. He’s such a good player; we had high hopes going into the year that he would play at a high level every week.
“He has not disappointed at all. He’s just been so steady every week.”
Heyamoto has also helped Sedler adjust back to playing at the inside linebacker position after playing on the defensive line last season.
“We were really linebacker short at the time, so we were really struggling to find someone else to play inside who could do that. Luke was the obvious candidate,” Hough said.
“I’ve known Curtis for forever,” Sedler said. “He’s definitely one of the best linebackers in the league.
“The experience that he’s had, and the technique he has – I just try to mimic that. When we watch game film, I just try to copy some of the things because he has the perfect technique.”
“Since we know each other well, we know where we’re going, and I expect him to be in the hole on certain plays and know he’s going to make the play,” said Heyamoto. “We communicate very well.
“The preparation is the key. Game time it’s instinctive. You can see it in the eyes. You can just tell what’s going on.”
Sedler also has family lineage on his side, as his two older brothers, Jason and Aaron, also played for the Saxons.
“Watching both of them play, both of them being very successful, and they have both been there to mentor me in all my sports,” said Sedler. “They’re both always there for me; they come to all of my games – and giving me tips and pointers … always helping me out, telling me what to do.
“They’ve obviously both been through it before, so hearing it from both of them helped me.”
When it comes right down to it, though, Heyamoto and Sedler lean on each other in leading the Saxons defense.
“We challenge them,” said Heyamoto. “We raise the intensity up during drills.
“Luke and I have to be there to set the example. If we don’t set the example, then no one’s going to do it.”
“It’s been a really productive relationship for football,” said Hough.
“They both really care. They work really hard at it and bring the other kids along, too.”
“We’re small, we’re not as big as we were last year, and we don’t have as many skill players, but there’s something special about this team,” said Sedler. “I think everyone started to realize that when summer camp came around.
“There’s just a real bond with the team.”