Today, they lead by example.
On the field.
In the classroom.
On campus.
But before they became leaders for Evergreen High School football, someone had to recognize their potential.
Nehemiah Tupua and Daniel Tupua, brothers, are grateful for being part of this program, thrilled to represent their school and their coaches.
“They believed in us when even ourselves saw nothing. They saw something in us. I owe my coaches everything,” Nehemiah said.
Evergreen coach Christian Swain said the Tupua brothers are among the hardest working athletes he has ever known. More than that, though, they are reliable.
“They do the right things even when I’m not around,” Swain said.
They are trusted.
For Nehemiah and Daniel, doing the right thing is just a way of giving back to the coaches who have done so much for them.
“As much time as we’ve poured into this program,” Nehemiah said …
“... they’ve poured into us,” Daniel said, finishing the sentence.
Now as seniors, the Tupua brothers — both linemen — are helping the Plainsmen in their effort to make a long run this season.
Evergreen improved to 3-1 overall this season on Friday night, pulling away from Heritage 34-7 to open league play in the Class 3A Greater St. Helens League.
“This team can go beyond far,” Nehemiah said.
Last week, Evergreen trailed Woodinville 17-7 before rallying for a 35-26 victory.
“The last three teams would have just given up,” Nehemiah said, referring to his first three seasons with the program. “But my brothers, we pushed through and we found ways to keep pursuing. That’s going to get us far.”
Of course, in that context, when he said brothers, he meant his teammates. His very talented teammates.
On Friday, quarterback Jayden Baum ran for a touchdown and had a touchdown pass to Darnell Wilford.
The Plainsmen got it done on defense and special teams, too.
Jayven Eng had a kickoff return for a touchdown, taking back the momentum after Heritage had tied the game at 7-7 in the first quarter.
Later, Jason Stevens made the play of the game for the Plainsmen with a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown to make it 21-7 just before halftime.
That play changed the entire game. Heritage had first-and-goal from the 4-yard line before an errant snap sent the Timberwolves back 20 yards. On the next play, Stevens got the pick-six. Had Heritage scored there, it would have been a tie game at half.
Instead, Evergreen never looked back en route to victory.
Up front, they are led by No. 67 Nehemiah and No. 68 Daniel, protecting Baum, giving him time to get the ball to so many playmakers.
Daniel acknowledged that he is the more reserved of the two brothers. But he has gained confidence in his social skills, and more, with this team.
“When I first joined, I was really quiet,” Daniel said. “As I got to know my teammates, I started a relationship with them.”
He said he has learned the value of hard work while in high school. In fact, Daniel and Nehemiah both have 4.0 grade-point averages at Evergreen. They are hoping to play college football … at the same college.
Nehemiah also credits the culture from their Samoan family.
“One of the biggest things is hard work,” Nehemiah said. “Stay humble and work hard in every single thing that we do.”
They promised to keep that mentality throughout the season. The Plainsmen hope that will mean playing well into November, in the playoffs.
No matter how long the Plainsmen play this season, though, the Tupua brothers will be appreciative.
“Evergreen football is my second home,” Nehemiah said. “I see it as a huge blessing and as a tool I can use to set my life up. It has taught me so many things. Coach Swain and this program will teach you how to be a man.”
