Ryan Moffett is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Xavier Prep for AZPreps365.com. 

Football often creates a brotherhood between teammates, but none are stronger than the brotherly bond of the Thorley brothers.

Kody and Kutter Thorley are brothers playing alongside each other at ALA Gilbert North. Senior Kody and junior Kutter have been key contributors to the teams success in the first half of the season.  

Kody has tallied impressive numbers on both sides of the ball, but his contribution on offense is what has helped the offense score an average of 33.8 points per game through the first five weeks of the season. 

Kutter sticks to the defensive side of the ball, but is just as pivotal of a player for ALA Gilbert North, leading the team in forced fumbles. He creates constant disruption in the backfield alongside his brother, and he claims their connection is the key to success. 

“We have a really good relationship,” said Kutter. “I feel like we have good chemistry on and off the field” 

This is a chemistry that has been developing since an early age for the brothers who started out in flag football. Kody began playing and Kutter followed shortly after. The brothers have embraced the opportunity to play on the same field again, now that they are both on varsity. 

“It’s everything,” said Kody. “It’s not common that you get to play with your brother in sports.” 

When looking back at their progress in football and life, the Thorley brothers don’t think that they needed football to strengthen their bond, but it has in some ways. 

“Of course. I feel like it has brought us closer together,” said Kutter. 

“We’ve been together since forever, we’re pretty much best friends,” said Kody. 

The brothers aren’t the only people that appreciate each other’s company. Head coach, Ty Detmer, and the coaching staff appreciate the two young men and their character.  

“They get football, they get the dedication, the time it takes to put into it,” said Detmer. “So, I really appreciate those guys and what they bring to the program.”  

The program must appreciate their team leaders in quarterback hurries. Kody leads the team with eight and Kutter is close behind with five, which neither of the two were aware of at the time of the interview. 

“I guess the competition is on now,” said Kutter. “Maybe there is (a competition) now,” said Kody. 

They will remain focused on the team's success, but a brotherly competition can light a fire within the two as they continue this season’s conquest. Though pressure mounts as the season continues, the Thorley’s have fun everyday. Kody, playing the role of older brother, will jokingly call out Kutter in film sessions. 

“We just love to make fun of each other,” said Kutter. “It’s all about just having fun with it.” 

This will be Kody’s last season playing for the Eagles, leaving Kutter on his own for his senior year. Kutter is unsure and excited at the same time for his senior season at Gilbert North without his brother. 

“I feel like it is going to be really weird and hard at first,” said Kutter. “I think I’ll be fine once I get used to it.”  

Detmer believes in Kutter’s potential for his senior year and looks forward to seeing his growth. 

“He’s starting to come into his own and make a lot of plays for us on the defensive side,” said Detmer. “He’s going to be a force to reckon with this last half a year and senior year next year. He’ll probably just become another mold of what we’ve seen with Kody here.” 

The Thorley’s still have five more guaranteed games together and they look to soak in the opportunity that they have been given. The brothers will lead ALA Gilbert North as they attempt to continue their season’s success and aspire for postseason success as well.