Brothers share bond on, off football field

Matthew and Benjamin LaCoss have more than a last name in common.

Organizational-studies majors at Pitzer College, Matthew, 22, and Benjamin, 20, also are members of the Pomona-Pitzer football team. Last year, Matthew, a senior, led the Sagehens in receiving with 25 catches. Benjamin, a junior, was No. 2 with 21 catches.

Benjamin LaCoss, left, and his brother Matthew.

The brothers also share four siblings: Simone, 31, Nate, 27, Sara, 25, and Justin, 24. All four boys played sports for Monroe High School in their hometown of Monroe, Wash. Matthew says all the brothers played football together at some point. (Matthew played with Justin and Benjamin, and Nate played with Justin.)

This year, 6-foot-1, 180-pound Matthew is quarterback for the Sagehens. He also has played wide receiver, safety, running back and cornerback. Benjamin, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 235, plays tight end. But the brothers don't just play football together -- they also shared their high school basketball court. Benjamin says they play so well together that friends back home still won't let them play on the same team. They enjoy volleyball, too.

Their coach, Roger Caron, says the brothers help form the backbone of the Sagehens: "They are among a small, core group that holds us together as a team," he said. "[They are] hard working, diligent and focused. They never lose sight of why they are here, and what the discipline and community of football brings to their lives."

Question: What do you like best about playing football with your brother?

Matthew: I have a great time playing football with my brother here at Pitzer. This year will be unique because I am playing quarterback and will be throwing the ball to him a lot, as he is one of our best and most reliable receivers. You develop a different, stronger and longer-lasting relationship when you have played football together for as long as we have.