No, you’re not seeing double. There are two 3’s, both with the last name LaGuardia, tearing up the field on back to back days during froshmore and varsity games. Ethan and Ryan LaGuardia are having outstanding seasons on their respective teams: Ethan on varsity and Ryan on JV and froshmore. These two siblings have the same desire to be the best player they can possibly be, but what motivates these two to push each other to be the best they can be and who helped them get to where they are now?

“It’s amazing because Ethan’s so good at what he does. I can learn so much from him and what he does. When he makes game changing plays, it feels great because I know if I work with him and learn everything I can from him, one day that will be me out there, doing the same as he does now. Ethan’s the reason I got into football, so I love supporting him. He’s my number one role model in my football career as well as my day to day life,” said Ryan.

If you told Ethan and Ryan a couple years ago where they would be right now, they wouldn’t believe you. Ryan said “if you told me a few years ago that I’d be doing this right now, I wouldn’t believe you. I’d believe you if you told me Ethan was here, but never me. I didn’t even like sports back then.” 

Ethan runs the Bobcats offense as the starting quarterback for the last two seasons, taking a big leap in production between last season and this year. In the 2021 season, Ethan had 730 pass yards with 9 touchdowns, paired with his 418 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. Although he only played in six games that season due to an injury to his collarbone that shut down his year early. Ethan’s hard work all offseason helped improve his offensive production this season. Through nine games this season, he has 1,000 passing yards, 12 passing touchdowns, 63 completions (nearly double the national average), paired with 487 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns.

Ryan just wrapped up a stellar freshman season, and even though the season didn’t end on a positive note, suffering a one point loss to Enfield, Ryan showed much promise for not only his future, but the future of South Windsor High School football. In case there’s anyone doubting Ryan’s skill and potential, Ethan will be the first to tell you how wrong you are. “Watching Ryan play is like watching a mini-me, but faster, and it’s so cool to watch him get better every week,” Ethan said. Ryan led the froshmore offense this season, finishing with eight rushing touchdown runs, one passing touchdown, and around 1,000 rushing yards. 

The feeling of working and getting better with his brother is one that’s very special to Ethan. “It’s such a great feeling because I know the amount of work we put in together, and how much he put in on his own this off-season. He makes me so proud, and it helps me push myself more”. Ethan knows how much of a role model he is to Ryan, and he tries to impress him everyday.

Getting to watch and work with your older brother is something most can only dream of, but for Ryan, that’s his reality. Ryan said “It’s amazing because Ethan’s so good at what he does. I can learn so much from him and what he does. When he makes game changing plays, it feels great because I know if I work with him and learn everything I can from him, one day that will be me out there, doing the same as he does now. Ethan’s the reason I got into football, so I love supporting him. He’s my number one role model in my football career as well as my day to day life.”

Ryan said how Ethan got him into football, but who gave Ethan the love for the game? “Definitely our dad,” said Ethan.

“Our dad has always been our number one fan and supporter. He’s always supported us in anything, and when it comes to sports, he’s never satisfied and always pushes us to improve our game and work harder than everyone else. Ryan added, “Our dad definitely is our biggest supporter. He always pushes us to do our best and to work as hard as possible. He believes in us so much and always gets us to work as hard as we can to achieve our goals.”

Ethan and Ryan’s dad, David Laguardia, talked about how proud he is with his kids every day. “Watching my sons play football and to watch them excel at the level they’re playing at is extremely rewarding to say the least. My heart is filled with so much happiness and pride. Ethan and Ryan didn’t have such an easy life growing up, they had to overcome a lot of adversity to get to where they are today. I was always a very tough and demanding coach. I loved every second of working with them whether it be training at Suffield Academy, the beach, or throwing under the lights in an empty parking lot. I taught them the game of football, but they taught me how to fight. They’re both fighters. Their never give up attitude is what makes them outstanding football players as well as great people.”

Both Ethan and Ryan agree that their dad is one of their biggest supporters, but they can both agree that another one of their most important supporters is their mom, Kim Mathog. Mathog said how proud her boys make her. “Watching my boys grow and develop as players over the years has been exciting and fun! They both play with a lot of heart, hard work, and commitment. They make me so proud every time they step on the field!” said Mathog. Ethan talked about how important his mom’s support is to him. “My mom supports me by holding me accountable in all aspects of life. She helps me check up on my grades, the recruiting process, and she’s always at every single one of my games, wearing my football sweatshirts and cheering for me.” 

To Ryan, the support from his parents is the most important thing to him. When asked about who his biggest supporters are, Ryan said “Definitely my mom and dad. My dad did more of the training part with us because he was a great football player and coach himself. On the other hand, my mom did everything as well. She brought us to a lot if not all of our practices and made sure we had everything we needed. I couldn’t have asked for more involved parents. They’re both my number one supporters in life and in football.” 

Ethan and Ryan have yet to disappoint so far in their football careers, and with Ethan graduating this year, it’s time for Ryan to take over the reigns of the Bobcats.