Family intrigue comes with today's matchup

Former teammates, brothers Prayer and Noble Young-Blackgoat find themselves on opposite sidelines tonight
Northern Arizona v Arizona State
Northern Arizona v Arizona State | Christian Petersen/GettyImages

Family ties always provide great storylines across sports. Whether it's the Griffeys playing together as the first father-son teammates in MLB history, or the Riley family dynasty behind the bench for hockey at West Point, family bonds remain strong in sports.

Prayer and Noble Young-Blackgoat have been teammates for most of their lives, but today they will find themselves on opposite sidelines when the Devils and Lumberjacks take the field at 7:00pm.

Both defensive standouts at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Prayer committed to Arizona State in February 2024 over an offer from hometown Northern Arizona after a highlight reel season at the linebacker position.

His younger brother Noble closed out their careers in 2024, hardly ever coming off the field as a senior. Playing wide receiver and safety, even seeing time on special teams, Noble was named the Arizona Daily Sun Football Athlete of the Year for 2024. Unlike his older brother, he chose to stay home and commit to the Lumberjacks.

Now on opposite sidelines for the first time, the brothers will not only have a team win on the line, but bragging rights over family dinners.

Brother playing against brother is not uncommon, seen just this January when Kristopher and Jonathon Mitchell faced off in the Orange Bowl. Regardless of the outcome, the postgame embrace will be one that they remember for the rest of their lives.

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