Skip to content
Link copied to clipboard

Timber Creek linebackers bound by time, mission

First, they were the kid brothers. Then, they were the young starters. Now, they are the veteran leaders. Julian Mahan and Tavian Martin have come a long way together on the football field. They are determined to finish with a flourish - by leading Timber Creek to the South Jersey Group 4 championship.

Timber Creek football linebackers Tavian Martin (left) and Julian Mahan pose during practice at the high school in the Erial section of Gloucester Township, NJ.
Timber Creek football linebackers Tavian Martin (left) and Julian Mahan pose during practice at the high school in the Erial section of Gloucester Township, NJ.Read more(Avi Steinhardt/ For the Philadelphia Inquirer)

First, they were the kid brothers.

Then, they were the young starters.

Now, they are the veteran leaders.

Julian Mahan and Tavian Martin have come a long way together on the football field. They are determined to finish with a flourish - by leading Timber Creek to the South Jersey Group 4 championship.

"This is our last go-round," Mahan said. "We want to make the most of it."

Mahan and Martin form the backbone of Timber Creek's talented defense.

The two seniors are three-year starters at inside linebacker and have been highly productive players in the past. But this season will be different as they have to assume more of a leadership role for a team with aspirations of winning both the WJFL National Division title and the program's third sectional crown since 2011.

"Tavian led us in tackles two years ago and Julian led us last year," Timber Creek coach Rob Hinson said. "It's a comforting feeling knowing you have that kind of production and experience in the guts of our defense."

The 6-0, 225-pound Mahan is an instinctive player who flows to the football. He led the team with 123 tackles last season.

The 6-1, 195-pound Martin is speedy and strong. He made 98 tackles last season.

"We're like brothers," Mahan said. "We tell each other what to do out on the field. We cover for each other.

"If I make a mistake, he fills in for me. If he makes a mistake, I fill in for him."

Mahan and Martin have been friendly for several years. Their brothers - Rob Mahan and Will Martin - played together for Winslow Township, graduating in 2011, and the two younger siblings used to hang out together at the high school games.

"We're always looking out for each other," Martin said.

The two athletes were sophomore starters for the 2013 Timber Creek team that went 10-2 and reached the South Jersey Group 4 title game, losing to Shawnee.

They were junior starters for the 2014 Timber Creek team that went 11-1 and again reached the sectional title game, again losing to Shawnee in the rematch at Rowan University.

"That's a big motivator for us," Mahan said. "It was tough the way the last two seasons ended. We want to get that ring this season."

Both athletes say they feel a sense of urgency as they approach their senior season.

Not only are they determined to take the Timber Creek program back to the highest level, but they are also planning to make the most of what likely will be the last year of their long partnership.

"He's like a brother to me," Martin said. "We read each other so well. I know what he's going to do and he knows what I'm going to do."

@PhilAnastasia

www.philly.com/

jerseysidesports