Together again, Thompsons leading Heights

Last season was a little strange for the Thompson brothers.

They each played tackle for Haddon Heights, so they were as far apart as possible along the offensive line.

"We're used to being right next to each other," said Alex Thompson, the bigger and younger of the brothers. "Now we're back right next to each other."

Side by side works well for the Thompsons, and the arrangement works wonders for Haddon Heights' offense. With the brothers leading the way for a powerful offensive line, the Garnets have broken to a 3-0 start entering Friday night's big game at Colonial Liberty rival West Deptford (2-1).

"They've been imposing their will on teams," Haddon Heights coach Ralph Schiavo said of the Thompsons.

Schiavo said Haddon Heights' offensive line, which also includes tackles Keenan Jones and Jeff Bryer and guard Julian Feggins, has been a strength of the team early in the season.

The Garnets are averaging 31 points. They've been getting big plays from quarterback Nick Lundholm (32-for-44 passing, 527 yards, five TDs), running back Brandon Joyner (270 rushing yards), and wide receivers Kahson Bounds (12 catches, 225 yards, three TDs) and Dante Pinckney (eight catches, 131 yards, two TDs).

But the key to all that production has been the offensive line, and the key to the offensive line has been the Thompson brothers.

"We know when good things happen it usually starts with us," Ryan Thompson said.

Ryan Thompson, a senior center, is the smaller of the brothers, at 5-foot-9, 235 pounds. Alex Thompson, a junior who plays right guard, is 6-3, 240.

"I was not supposed to stop growing," Ryan Thompson said with a laugh.

The brothers' older sibling, Pat Thompson, was a standout running back at Camden High who played at Rowan University. Ryan and Alex grew up in Camden and started their football careers playing for the Centerville Simbas, a youth program in the city. They always were offensive linemen.

The family moved to Lawnside in 2004. The brothers have been lined up next to each other every season, except for 2010, since they were around "seven or eight," according to Ryan Thompson.

"We're always together, always next to each other," Ryan Thompson said.

Schiavo said the Thompsons "lead by example," through their work ethic and commitment to the team.

"They soak up everything," said Schiavo, who is in his first year as Garnets coach. "They want to get better. They were here all summer, all through the offseason program.

"They want to win. This program has been in the playoffs the last three years. They want to take it a step further."

Contact staff writer Phil Anastasia at 856-779-3223, panastasia@phillynews.com, or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter. Read his blog, "Jersey Side Sports," at www.philly.com/jerseysidesports