Every quarterback and wide receiver duo in the country works to obtain a strong relationship that translates on and off the field. For Yelm’s Damian and Marius Aalona, their relationship began on Jan. 29, 2006, when the two were born.
Now as seniors, the twins have cemented themselves as a top quarterback and wideout duo in the South Sound Conference as they’ve connected 40 times for 683 yards and 12 touchdowns on the season.
The quarterback, Damian, has found his twin, Marius, for half of his 24 passing touchdowns on the season. He’s totaled 1,657 yards and has completed 71% of his passes on the year, with just two interceptions thrown.
“I have the most trust in (Marius). He is always there when I need him on my first read and in scramble drill situations,” Damian said. “The best thing about him being my wideout is that he is gonna be where I need him to be.”
Marius agreed, adding he fully trusts that his brother will get him the ball anywhere on the field.
“I just know where to be, and he knows where to throw,” Marius added.
Marius said that he and Damian have a competitive relationship in anything they do, adding they’ve had a special connection in athletics since they first touched a ball.
“My relationship with my brother is strong. We talk about almost everything to each other and sometimes don’t even have to talk and we’ll be on the same page,” Damian said. “We find ourselves bonding in school a lot because we have the same classes and at home because we’re just always together.”
Damian added that it means a lot to them to share the field with each other under the Friday night lights.
“We just have a great connection, especially since we’re twins and grew up together our whole lives. I love throwing him the ball and seeing him score,” Damian said.
Marius continued, “it feels great to have this opportunity. Always playing together, we might take it for granted, but having that connection gives us an edge on the opponents.”
Both Damian and Marius spoke highly of the community’s support of the program throughout these last several years. Fans of the program, alumni, students and family members have made their voices heard throughout the 2023 season and have created a lively environment for the twins to excel in on Friday nights.
“The community support is what I dreamt of when I was a younger kid, being in the stands watching the game,” Marius said. “Now I’m playing it and having the community and people watching is amazing.”
Damian continued, “The community support is awesome. It gives us all something to fight for. It makes me happy knowing this town loves football.”
When asked what their favorite memory is with their brother, both twins brought up a sports-related answer. Marius said his favorite memory is simply sharing the football field and basketball court with his brother. Damian added his favorite memory was the duo’s first varsity touchdown pass connection during their junior year in 2022.
The Aalona twins will have the opportunity to add on to their Tornado legacies as the team enters the postseason. Yelm, 9-0, defending its 2022 3A state football championship, will host Kent-Meridian, 4-5, on Friday, Nov. 3 in the round of 32.
