Football bond strengthens Sandusky's Stewart brothers

SANDUSKY — Tevin and Terion Stewart have been playing football together for years, and improvising when necessary.The Stewart brothers were born in Memphis, Tenn., and grew up in a busy neighborhood that featured plenty of pickup football. Sometimes a group of grade-school boys would play 15 on 15. Sometimes there was no football."We used to play football with a shoe if nobody had a football," Terion said. "Somebody would always find something to play with."The Stewarts moved to Sandusky about eight years ago at the urging of their now-deceased grandmother, who wanted to keep the family together. The boys' can-do spirit came along for the ride, and the Blue Streaks football program eventually became the beneficiary.Terion, a physical junior running back, has already set Sandusky records for career rushing yards (3,363) and most rushing yards in a season. He's at 2,151 through 10 games heading into Friday's Division III playoff opener at Bay High School.Tevin, who missed the first five games of the season with a broken wrist, has become a big-play threat at wide receiver. He has 12 catches for 280 yards — a 23.3-yard average — and three touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Clyde.Explosive plays have become the Stewarts' trademark. "They both bring great attitudes to the field. Pair that with tremendous athletic ability, and that's a good combination," Sandusky coach Mike Franklin said. ""Both of them, when they touch the football they have the ability to score from anywhere on the field."It's always been that way — even in those games at the park in Memphis. "Every time we'd try to pick teams they made us be captains because they didn't want us on the same team," Terion recalled with a chuckle."We just played till the street lights came on and we'd have to go in the house," Tevin said.Their love for football hasn't waned. Senior Night was an emotional one for Tevin, who hopes to compete in track & field in college next year."It came so fast. I just wanted to cry," he said. "I just want another year; it's crazy."That's understandable since his high school football career has been slowed by injuries. He missed time as a junior because of a hip injury, but he still made an impact. In last year's 16-15 comeback win over Fremont Ross, Tevin caught a long pass on the Streaks' winning touchdown drive."Ja'Vez (Alexander) threw it and it looked like the DB was coming to pick it so I grabbed it and it hyped up the whole team," Tevin said. "A lot of people started noticing me after that game. A lot teams try to double-team me now."He'll try to make some plays that get the Streaks going against Bay, which is 8-2 and seeded No. 3 in the region. The Streaks (6-4) are seeded No. 6."You have to come in with a different mindset, knowing it could be your last game," Tevin said. "And it might be my last time playing with him."He was referring to Terion, who was discovered at the age of 6 while playing in the park. A youth football coach recruited him, and soon thereafter Terion was running the ball for the Cherokee Dolphins. Tevin played also played for the organization, on an older team."I remember the first game he played," Tevin said. "The first play he scored and everybody was going crazy. When it came time for our game the coach said, 'Can you run like your brother?' "You never know what he's going to do next.""The first game came and I scored when I got the ball. I was so happy," Terion said. "I felt like I was the man. Everybody came up to me and wanted to take pictures and stuff."Some things haven't changed. Terion, at a sturdy 5-foot-9, 205 pounds with speed, has grown into one of the best running backs in the state. He's making an unofficial visit to Ohio State on Saturday and dreams of playing for the Buckeyes.Like his older brother, Terion also is dangerous on kick returns. He's returned two for touchdowns this season — on only five attempts."Nobody ever kicks it to me," he said. "Perkins did it (last week) with like 17 seconds left (in the first half). I slipped and picked it up. They came at me full speed and I jumped over them and scored."Terion has made a habit out of hitting holes — and defenders -— before running away from everyone. He was a member of Sandusky's state-qualifying 800-meter relay last spring. Tevin qualified for state in four events: long jump, 400, 800 relay and 1,600 relay.So, who is faster?"In the 100, I am," Terion said. "But in distance, he's got it."Added Tevin: "I take off slow, but in the 200 I'd get him."Even though the Stewarts are very talented, they understand what it will take to make a deep playoff run."Everyone has to play together, one through 11," Terion said. "We have a very talented team." Brothers Terion, left, and Tevin Stewart have keyed the Sandusky offense this season. The Blue Streaks open the Division III playoffs Friday night at Bay.Sandusky football players and brothers Tevin, left, and Terion Stewart mess around with each other before practice Sandusky football players and brothers Terion, left, and Tevin Stewart pose for a photo before practice on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, at Strobel Field.