Call it the Hanzal game plan.

Peyton and Andrew Hanzal are first cousins who play on the varsity football team at Valley Christian.

It is not by chance.

Andrew’s father has been an assistant varsity boys basketball coach for 24 years and his mother attended the school. Peyton’s father is also an assistant varsity boys basketball coach.

“What’s even more crazy besides our dads being brothers is that our moms are sisters, so yes it was the plan all along.” said Andrew.

Peyton, a senior, is one of the team’s quarterbacks. Andrew, a sophomore, is a wide receiver and defensive back.

On a 2-2 Valley Christian team, Peyton has thrown three touchdowns and is averaging 93 passing yards a game. Andrew has three receiving touchdowns and averages 40.5 receiving yards.

The younger cousin Andrew looks up to Peyton.

“Peyton takes me home after every football practice so that gives me a chance to ask questions about our offense,” Andrew said. “Peyton is very smart and helps me with any questions I have so I can come to practice the next day and come better prepared. Besides helping me, he leads the team during games and practices.”

The two know there is a special connection. So does coach Kirk Sundberg.

“They almost act like brothers. They speak directly to each other, give each other a hard time and have support for each other that runs deeper than surface level issues,” said Sundberg. “Peyton is a very smart football player, and Andrew is only a sophomore so it can be kind of funny when Peyton gets frustrated or corrects his cousin.”

The leadership the older Hanzal demonstrates on the field and the attention he give Andrew is noticeable.

“I think the guys appreciate how Peyton looks out for and pushes Andrew. It is cool to see Peyton work to help Andrew get better,” Sundberg said.

Hanzal game plan is in full gear. Peyton’s younger brother Jadon is currently the junior varsity quarterback.

“I have another cousin to look forward to playing with on this level in the future.” said Andrew.