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DICKINSON — Fraternal twin brothers Jake and Luke Shobe were potent weapons for the Trinity Titans this season, putting up close to 1,000 receiving yards combined. The high school juniors challenge each other both on and off the field. They're developed a tight bond through a shared passion for the pigskin.
The dynamic duo has been playing football for as long as they can remember and were tossing the ball in diapers. Their father played football as a defensive back in high school and college, inspiring both boys to explore the sport.
Jake and Luke were coached by their father in the Dickinson Youth Football League (DYFL) and in junior high football.
“My dad was our biggest mentor,” Jake said. “He had a lot of tips and tricks that helped me out on the field. When a receiver runs a route, he taught me the best way to defend it and how to give me the advantage.”
“I would always think that he was wrong,” Luke added. “Now that I’ve gotten older, he was always right,”
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Luke remembers playing football outside and in the basement with his brother and cousin as a child. The family always had football playing on television, so the boys developed a curiosity and understanding of the game quickly.
The brothers have played several positions for the Titans including safety, cornerback and receiver. Luke led the team with 652 receiving yards. In 11 games, he put up 41 catches and eight touchdowns. Jake played in 10 games and went 25-346 receiving and made five touchdowns on the season with no fumbles. Last year both were selected for the All-Region team.
“We compete against each other,” Jake said. “You always want to be better than your brother, but it’s for one goal which is winning. If you have good stats but you lose, it doesn’t really matter.”
Luke said losing a tough game motivates them to get better and work harder. They allow themselves 24 hours to reflect on a bad game then force themselves to move on to the next week. The boys explained football is equal parts mental and physical. Playing with clarity and focus is key to success. They have to know where to be on certain plays and anticipate what an opponent is going to do.
Throughout their athletic careers, the Shobes have battled through a number of injuries including a C7 vertebrae fracture, high ankle sprain and broken thumb. Despite their pain and physical setbacks, the brothers have a thirst for action and victory.
“We make each other compete way harder than we could ever push ourselves on our own,” Luke said. “My brother pushes me to be the best person I can be, and we work well together as a team. We read each other’s minds and that really helps us on the field.”
This season, Jake’s favorite game was on the road in Shiloh against the Skyhawks. It was a big match up with a lot on the line. The Titans were down for the first time all season and walked away with a win in the last few seconds.
“We’ve lived together our entire lives, so to have another me out on the field is really beneficial,” Jake added. “We can read off of each other.”
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Luke’s most memorable game was when the Titans hosted Hazen and won 51-50. Trinity put up the most points they had all season and overcame the frustration of being unable hold back the rugged Bison offense.
Several of these hard fought games played in dark, wet and freezing temperatures. The boys' parents were their biggest fans through it all.
The Shobes’ are coached by John Odermann, who leads the team with his twin brother Jacob Odermann. John has witnessed the brothers show up every day at practice ready to work and grow in their knowledge of the game.
“I think that’s the biggest thing they bring to the team, their willingness to learn new approaches, concepts and ways of doing things,” John said. “Regardless of what side of the ball they are on, they are two of our savviest players on the roster. That approach coupled with their God-given athletic gifts makes them special kids, and as a twin myself who gets to coach with my brother, I can’t help but to have a soft spot for those two.”
