KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
COLLEGE STATION — It’s not every day fans get to see brothers lace them up and play a sport together.
However, such is the case for Raymondville’s Noe and Thomas Zambrano, who have been playing football together all their lives.
This year is particularly special, though, because Noe will be a senior and Thomas will be a junior. Both also play defense and happen to play at the linebacker position.
“I look up to my older brother, Noe,” said Thomas. “I’ve always looked up to him. This is our last year in high school together so I’m enjoying the time we have because next year he won’t be here playing with me, so I’m learning as much as I can.”
While the duo will compete together on the field come the start of the 2018 football season this fall, they were fortunate to get in some extra time together this summer thanks to 7on7 football.
Raymondville’s 7on7 team made some noise this week by having a successful run at the state tournament in College Station.
Both Zambrano brothers played defense and Noe forced a key interception in their overtime win against Burnet in pool play on Thursday.
“I enjoyed my time here in College Station,” Noe said Friday as the Kats concluded tournament play. “It is extra special when you get to play with your brother alongside you. We had never been here before, so being able to accomplish that was special.”
With Noe gearing up for his final season, he is making sure that his younger brother will be prepared for after he graduates.
“I give him (Thomas) advice all the time,” he said. “Next year, I won’t be here and he will have to step up and be a leader on the team. As for our family, it means so much to them to see us out here playing. We have done it all our lives and we’re ready for one last season together.”