Profile: Edmondson brothers helping lead Huron into a new era in football

Tyson and Trey Edmondson are talented football players who played key roles in Huron’s big win at Pioneer last Friday and are two reasons why optimism and high expectations join the River Rats on the gridiron in 2020.

They also are brothers, and where is the best place to kick off a story about brothers? Well, mom, of course.

“Tyson and Trey have always had a close brother relationship, and they’re only 19 months apart,” says mom, Lisa Edmondson. “When making decisions about what to do, they always consult the other to see what he is planning to do. They have the same friends group and have always played on the same sports teams growing up as we would have Trey play up to Tyson’s grade level when possible.”

Both playing on the Huron football team is a special experience for the exceptional athletes, according to mom.

“They always take care of each other, except when it comes to clothes because Trey is very particular about his clothes,” she says with a smile. “They’re so much fun to be around, they laugh, love video games and sports. On Thursday night, they’re meticulously laying out their game day apparel for Friday, something they saw their older brother do for years.”

Tyson, a senior, and Trey, a sophomore, are the middle kids of Lisa and Marcus Edmondson. Their oldest son, Marcus, is a 2016 Huron graduate and football player who is now a fifth-year senior playing wide receiver at Saginaw Valley State University. Saige, the couple’s daughter, is an eighth grader at Scarlett Middle School.

Lisa says next year will be one of adjustment for the two middle boys.

“It will be hard for both to separate when Tyson leaves for college,” she says. “Tyson has been a bit of a trailblazer for Trey, and I think Trey relies a lot on Tyson and the seniors in their friend group.

“I just cherish their love and care for each other and as they continue to grow up. I hope this never changes.”

While next year might be one of adjustment, this year has been one of unique challenges for everyone. The Edmondson brothers are doing the best they can to keep their focus on school and sports.

“School is going okay and some challenges have been getting used to the new platforms we’re using and not seeing my friends everyday especially since it’s our senior year,” says Tyson. “The football season was just up in the air for so long so it was challenging with all the ups and downs at the start. I miss having fans at our games. Another challenge has been wearing a mask while we play.”

Trey says school has been going well as he continues to adjust to the 2020 normal for high school students. “Some challenges have been the platforms Huron is using which can be difficult at times,” he says. “I was really looking forward to being on varsity this year, so I was thrilled when the season was approved. Working out and running while wearing a mask has been a new challenge this year.”

Tyson, who also plays basketball and baseball, says the goal in football is to win a state championship. It’s a very lofty goal for a program that broke a five-year, 39-game losing streak just last season in a win over Ecorse. And that turned out to be their only win of the 2019 season.

They have certainly improved under head coach Antaiwn Mack, but more than likely won’t win the SEC Red Division after losing the season-opener to defending champion Saline. But the River Rats have high expectations and there is nothing wrong with that.

“We’re happy with the way our season has started, but we know we have to be getting better every week,” says Tyson. “Our team personality is everybody sticks together and everyone likes each other so we play well together.”

The River Rats, pardon the cliché, are like a family. And Tyson and Trey know all about family.

“I like how aggressive Trey is on defense,” says older brother Tyson. “I admire how Trey knows when to make adjustments at crucial times in games. I’m also happy that I get to play on the same team with him this season.”

Trey had a huge game on defense in the win over the Pioneers. He had three sacks from his starting linebacker position and seemed to be all over the field. Tyson, who splits time at quarterback with Anthony Pinnace, also made some big plays on offense.

“Tyson is a great quarterback,” says Trey. “He’s a multi-sport athlete which can be challenging all year, but he manages it well and works really hard. I admire Tyson’s leadership, not only on the football team, but basketball, too.”

Tyson played on last year’s state-ranked Huron varsity basketball team that also had state champion on its radar. They appeared ready for a long run in the state playoffs when the pandemic shut everything down.

“It was very frustrating to have our season cut short at such a crucial point,” Tyson says. “We had a very good team and we were looking forward to winning the state championship. I’m looking forward to playing again this season. We have a great team returning and we’re looking forward going to the Breslin Center.”

Tyson may have a new teammate on the basketball court as well as his kid brother looks to make the jump to varsity. But right now the focus is on football with a tough game coming up against Ypsilanti.

And Coach Mack is glad that both Edmondson brothers will be on the field for the opening kickoff against the Grizzlies.

“Trey is an awesome kid, very quiet at times but is a very good athlete, very physical and loves football,” Coach Mack says. “Trey has risen up to the challenge of being a first year varsity starter and he’s doing a great job. He comes from an awesome family that’s very athletic.

“We have a two QB system and both are very good. Tyson has a great arm and can make all of the big time throws.”

We kicked off this story with a proud mom – so let’s finish there.

“Watching my kids play sports is my passion,” Lisa says. “Seeing their excitement, how they handle the pressures of a coach, teammates, and the balance of school I believe molds them into young men who will be flexible, compassionate, dedicated, and hard-working once they enter the workforce.”