Pays brothers sign to play at Carroll College

SANDPOINT — Two for one was the special of the day this week, when Sandpoint senior twins Tim and Todd Pays each signed a letter of intent to play football next season at NAIA power Carroll College in Helena, Mont.

The twins, each 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, played alongside each other at guard and tackle last fall for the Bulldogs. Their size, smarts and potential earned them nearly full-ride scholarships to play in college.

The two hope to continue to play alongside each other on the offensive line for the Saints, who contend for NAIA national championships on a seemingly annual basis as a power of the Frontier Conference.

“It’s been a goal since freshman year,” said Todd of playing in college. “I think it will help me with my life, developing skills and it will be fun.”

The two have a sort of ESP found in many twins, and admit the communication and trust in each other comes naturally in the trenches.

Both credit Bulldogs coach Satini Puailoa with helping them advance to the next level, saying the highlight of their high school career was the popular coach’s return to the sidelines.

“He completely re-lit the fire, taught me how to work out well with a new passion,” said Tim.

“That’s about what I’d say,” added Todd.

The Saints coaches told the pair they could work into the starting lineup in the near future, as both possess what Puailoa called “frames and brains.” Both are 4.0 students, and plan to study engineering and business at Carroll.

Each also possess a work ethic that will serve them well at the next level.

“They’re the first guys here, and the last to leave,” said Puailoa, who called Carroll a great fit. “Because of that I think they’ll reach some levels they didn’t think they had.”

The brothers also were recruited by Washington State, Idaho and Idaho State, but after meeting the Saints coaches and working out with the team, they signed with Carroll.

Sandpoint offensive line coach Crosby Tajan, who played at Idaho and knows full well the rigors and demands of the college game, believes the pair will have success.

“They have long arms and good levers, and can keep guys extended,” said Tajan, lauding their football IQ. “They’ll be able to absorb the pass blocking stuff quickly.”

Parents Cheryl and Frank were beaming with pride, and rightfully so, as their kids are going to get their college education paid for. Frank had high praise for the coaching of Puailoa and Tajan.

“Without these two guys and their staff, we wouldn’t be here,” he said. “I can’t stress that enough.”