Dynamic duo

• Aaron and Ethan Keller

Press Photo by Jason Adkins Mott-Regent identical twins and senior running backs/linebackers Aaron Keller, left, and Ethan Keller, are one of the most dynamic rushing duos the state. Ethan Keller has broken several all-time Wildfire rushing records with 3,305 yards, 45 touchdowns and 405 carries so far with at least one game to go. Aaron Keller has 1,046 rushing yards, 15 rushing touchdowns and 180 carries in four seasons.

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MOTT — Aaron and Ethan Keller aren’t typical teenagers.

Mott-Regent head coach Ron Benson said there is just something different about the identical twins, both senior running backs and linebackers for the Wildfire football team.

“They’re not normal,” Benson said.

Benson didn’t mean his comments in a bad way, though.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard a swear world come out of their mouths,” Benson said.

Even the Kellers’ parents think they’re not average teenagers.

“Our mom says why don’t you just go out and get into trouble,” Aaron Keller said jokingly.

Benson wouldn’t take Aaron and Ethan any other way than they are now, especially with how they’ve played for the Wildfire the past four seasons.

The twins lead the No. 4-ranked Wildfire (7-1), the No. 2 seed from Region 6, into the 9-man playoffs against North Star (7-3), the No. 4 seed from Region 4, in a second-round game at 1:30 p.m. today in Mott.

Ethan, at just 5-foot-6, 140 pounds, holds several all-time Wildfire rushing records, with the total likely to go up against the Bearcats.

He shattered former Mott-Regent standout Brock Gion’s career totals with 3,305 rushing yards, 45 rushing touchdowns and 405 carries so far. Gion is now a sophomore safety on the North Dakota State football team.

Gion rushed for 2,604 yards and scored 32 rushing touchdowns from 2004-07, while Mike Friedt held the previous all-time rushing attempts record with 336 carries.

The only all-time Wildfire rushing mark Ethan doesn’t hold is yards per carry as he averages 8.2 yards. Gion holds that mark with 8.6 yards per carry.

Ethan doesn’t boast about his accomplishments either.

“I’ve had some great players to follow,” he said.

Aaron Keller’s totals aren’t bad, either, even if they don’t reach Ethan’s level.

But he still gets yards with limited chances. He’s rushed for 1,046 yards, scored 15 rushing touchdowns and carried the ball 180 times in four seasons.

This season, the slightly-smaller Aaron — he’s 5-6 and 137 pounds — has been used more as a receiving threat for junior quarterback McCahen Schweitzer. He has 14 catches for 110 yards, compared to Ethan Keller’s four receptions for 44 yards.

In the past, Aaron said he would try to one-up his brother.

“Not so much anymore,” Aaron said. “We just try to help each other out.”

What helps is the typical unspoken communication that goes on between twins.

“I have to explain to the other guys which way I want to go,” Ethan Keller said. “He (Aaron) just knows.”

The goal for both now is to help Mott-Regent capture a state title. They both got a taste of what it takes to win a championship during the Wildfire’s 2007 9-man state title run. They were freshmen that year.

“They didn’t play much, but they learned a lot,” Benson said.

After losing to No. 2-ranked Richardton-Taylor-Hebron 44-38 on Sept. 10 at home, the Kellers said the defeat helped the team get back on track.

“It refocused our intensity,” Ethan Keller said. “They (R-T-H) are a good team. We knew we had to do better.”

Aaron Keller said the loss was disappointing, but the Wildfire rebounded well.

Since then, Mott-Regent’s closest game was a 38-24 win over Washburn on Oct. 8.

Off the field, there are a few differences that show between Aaron and Ethan.

Benson joked, though, that he could only tell them apart for the first time last season. On first glance, their hairstyles stand out the most, with Aaron’s hair being slightly longer right now.

They have different interests as well.

Ethan is in track during the spring while Aaron participates in speech.

“I’ve had a talent for that,” Aaron said. “And I’ve tried to develop it.”

As for future plans, football may be in the cards, but it’s not a given.

They don’t know if they will attend the same school or not.

Ethan said he would like to leave the state if possible. Aaron didn’t mention a preference, but said there are a few factors at play.

“I’ll just listen and do what God has in store for me,” Aaron said.

Tags: sports, preps, football, wildfire, mott-regent, keller