Sometimes, as the youngest of three brothers, it's hard to appreciate the older guys winning. Especially when the beatings come from a couple of linemen.

But Newman senior Maison Bittner counts his lucky Comets for the way his state-champion brothers helped carve him out of wood.

"I'm thankful that I had them to always pound on me," said Bittner, who starts at cornerback and wide receiver for the Comets. "I think they made me who I am today and taught me how to work hard and never give up. Now that's what I live by."