The Bash Brothers are Islanders’ tackling machines

Call them The Bash Brothers.

Mercer Island High School (MIHS) football’s senior inside linebackers Tyler Williamson and Jack Buchan each stand 6-foot-1 and are tough tackling machines, according to head coach DJ Mims.

“This duo is the heart and soul of our defense,” Mims said. “Not only are they great players, they are great leaders and are a good representation of our program.”

With The Bashers and their teammates making a major impact in the defensive and offensive realms, MIHS blasted out to a 6-0 record this season following its 70-0 victory over Renton High School on Oct. 10 at Islander Stadium. MI next plays Inglemoor at 7 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Pop Keeney Stadium in Bothell, and Redmond at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Islander Stadium.

“Our success has come from our team chemistry. In winter workouts and spring practices, we pushed for excellence. Ever since DJ Mims took over our program, his schemes and philosophies have been the creator to our success,” said third-year varsity player Williamson, who weighs in at 200 pounds.

Added Buchan, also a third-year varsity guy and 175-pounder who echoes some of his teammate’s sentiments to display how well-connected they are: “We have a great coaching staff that prepares us week by week for our games and gives us all the tools we need to succeed. Our team also has great chemistry. We have been practicing together all summer and some of us have been playing with each other since youth.”

Williamson and Buchan began their football journey together as third-graders and they’ve become a solid formation of one over the years by communicating well and then dominating on the defensive side of the field.

“My goal each time we hit the field is to win and do my job,” said Buchan, while Williamson said he wants “to make them (opponents) feel us.”

Hitting hard and racking up victories are just two of the achievements the guys want to notch on game nights. On and off the field, they aim to set a good example for their teammates — veterans and newcomers alike — spread positivity, and make themselves and their fellow Islanders better players each day.

When the question rolls around about how The Bashers attained their toughness over the years, here’s what they knocked back to the Reporter:

“Setbacks and injuries have made me stronger. After having three elbow surgeries, I learned to leave it all on the field and take nothing for granted,” Williamson said.

Buchan added: “Having an older brother helped me gain toughness.”

The Reporter asked The Bash Brothers a series of questions to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lives:

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Williamson: If you don’t know what to do, just play football.

Buchan: Failure is the first step to success.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?

Williamson: “Kingsman.”

Buchan: “The Blind Side.”

What’s your favorite restaurant on the Island?

Williamson: Toshi’s Teriyaki.

Buchan: Pagliaccis.

What superpower would you like to have?