Parish Episcopal’s Bond of Brothers
The four Overton brothers took the field together for the first time 12 years ago, when their dad created virtual versions of each of them on the Madden NFL 06 video game.
However, it turns out live-action football at Parish Episcopal is more fun than the virtual Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The siblings have reunited on the varsity roster this season for the Panthers, where identical twins Cameron and Kahlil are senior receivers, while A.J., a junior, and Isaiah, a sophomore, primarily play on the defensive line.
(ABOVE: From left: Cameron, Kahlil, Isaiah, and A.J. Overton have each made an impact this season on the varsity roster at Parish Episcopal. Photo: Chris McGathey)
“We all wanted to play on the same team,” Kahlil said. “Three other people are always cheering you on.”
The quartet was able to realize that dream at Parish after transferring over the summer from defending Class 6A state champion Allen, where the roster sizes are much larger at every level.
“They brought a swagger and give us a little bit of an edge.” -Coach Daniel Novakov
Their unspoken bond is evident in every game. When Kahlil caught a touchdown pass during a season-opening win over TCA-Willow Park, for example, three of his teammates out-sprinted the others to start the end-zone celebration.
“We’re like the Energizer bunnies of the locker room,” Cameron said. “Anytime we’re anywhere together, even at the house cooking food, we’re dancing and acting crazy.”
The twins, each standing 6-foot-3, help to stretch the field as deep threats for Parish quarterback Preston Stone, who already has college offers from several of the country’s top programs. In that season opener, the Overtons combined for seven catches, 189 yards, and three touchdowns.
“Anytime either one of them gets it in their hands, they’re a threat to score. They’re tall and fast and rangy. It’s hard to get one player like that, let alone two,” said Parish head coach Daniel Novakov. “They brought a swagger and give us a little bit of an edge.”
Their father, Aaron, was a standout receiver at Drake University before a brief professional career in the NFL and Canada. After he finished playing, he coached each of his sons in youth leagues.
“We got to see him play. We wanted to naturally follow him,” Kahlil said. “Football has been our lifestyle. You learn so many things that you can take into your life.”
The brothers are committed to remaining close after graduation. One idea: When they’re all grown up, with their own families, they hope to build houses within a mile of each other, connected by a secret underground tunnel. Give them points for dreaming big.
“Our family has always been together in football,” Kahlil said. “We want to stay together.”
