By Robert Lucke
Two of the 2000 Havre High football team have very special connections. They are brothers. Not only that, they are identical twins. Not only that, they both play the same positions on the team, wide receiver and cornerback.
Joe and Grant Roman are their names, and for now, football is on both of their minds.
People have a difficult time even telling them apart, although right now it is easier than usual because Grant Roman's hair is bleached blond while Joe's is natural.
The twins were born in Santa Clara, Calif., but have lived in Havre since they were one. They played football for two years in the middle school and four years in Havre High.
Joe Roman has played running back and free safety positions, too, but prefers cornerback. Why tells something about Joe.
"Cornerback is my favorite position," Joe Roman said. "I think I am pretty fast and I have played that position the longest. I know what to do there. It is one on one. You either win or lose and see who is the best. You either have your person or zone and as long as you can defend it, you don't have to do anything else. It is just straight to the point football."
Joe Roman's NFL team, of all things, is the New York Giants. Seem strange for someone from Havre? Not when you consider that Jason Sehorn plays for them and Joe Roman considers him the best cornerback in that league.
If that weren't enough reason to be a Giant fan, there is more.
"They (the Giants) have Ron Dane from Wisconsin. And that is my college football team," said Joe Roman, smiling.
After High School? Joe Roman is as definite about that as his football position.
"I am going to Missoula and I hope I can major in physical therapy. I might try walking on for football, but I am thinking more of track than football."
Track is another love of Joe Roman. He does football in the fall and track in the spring and even trains during the summer for track. Busy fellow, that Joe Roman.
Grant Roman shares a lot of the same interests as his brother. No surprise there, considering they are twins. The 17-year-old senior said of last week's loss to Lewistown in boys' high school football, "We just didn't play to our ability."
Grant should know. He played football for two years in the middle school and this is his fourth year of high school football. He plays cornerback and receiver. Those are his favorite positions.
"I like playing them because you don't get hit so many times," Roman said, then laughed it off. "You are in the game for a lot of plays and the game can rest in your hands. I am fast and that makes me pretty decent."
Grant Roman sees himself at the University of Montana in Missoula next year. He would like to be a walk-on for Grizzly football, but does not know what he wants to major in quite yet.
Ask him what he will be doing in 20 years when he is 38 years old and he does have some ideas.
"I think that it would probably be that I was coaching. That would be good, but I don't know if it could ever happen," Roman said.
Favorite college football team? Florida, he said with a sigh. They lost this last weekend.
"Mississippi State beat them," Roman said. "They just couldn't get it done. It was because Florida's quarterback got injured."
Favorite NFL team? No way for Grant.
"I don't like any of them. They are just playing for the money. College isn't like that," Roman said.
Grant Roman, like his brother, goes out for track every spring. He enters both the 400 and 1600 relay along with the individual 400. This year is special for him as the Havre High 400 relay team won state last year and a win this year would break a school record.
Favorite class at Havre High? Lunch. And Grant's favorite hobby is hanging out with his friends.
This weekend, Havre plays Belgrade for Havre High Homecoming. Grant Roman knows what the score might be. Havre 28, Belgrade 7.
Those Roman brothers. Good neighbors for Havre and great material for Grizzly football.
