Staff photo / Greg Macafee. Windham's Chase Eye takes a handoff during a practice.

WINDHAM — When it comes to unique bonds, the Eyes have it.

Windham’s coach Jake Eye is now entering Year 2 of coaching two of his sons on the gridiron, and his face told the whole story. To say he’s excited to have this opportunity would be an understatement.

“I’m just going to relish the moment this year,” Eye said. “As their dad and as their coach, it’s a fine line when you’re coaching your kid. It’s an even finer line when you’re coaching two of your kids. I’m excited for both of them. I think this is a breakout year for us. I think Chase is going to have a breakout season. This is his team now. This is his time. I’m excited. I’m proud of both of them.”

Plenty of work has been done in the offseason to get ready for the year. Chase suffered an injury at the end of last year, but has been energized to make a real impact this year.

“They’re both high-character boys, high-character young men. I’m proud of both of them,” coach Eye said. “They love each other, they work hard together, they’re always going to the weight room together and they’re at the gym twice a day. Chase has packed on 15-20 pounds of muscle. He’s way bigger than he was last year.

“When he got hurt last year, I think that kind of set the tone for him and the fact that, ‘Hey, I need to get stronger. I need to get a little bigger.’ He’s going to have to be durable enough to handle the ball 20 times a game. He’s got to be able to take a shot and get back up.”

Senior Chase and sophomore Jack are going to be anchors for the Bombers on both sides of the ball, each of which are going to have their own specialty.

Chase will be the team’s key skill guy on the offensive side of the ball as the primary tailback, but is expected to be utilized all over the field.

Jack, who was a late addition to the roster last season, came in without missing a beat. Now, in his sophomore season, his role is going to only grow. Jack will be a focal point on the defense as the team’s ‘Mike’ linebacker and defensive signal-caller. On the offensive side of the ball, Jack will be utilized as a fullback.

Given the way he carries himself, there might not be a better spot on the offense.

“He is just the type of kid that is fearless,” Jake said. “He’ll sacrifice his body for whatever. He’s dove into trees at home. It doesn’t matter what he’s playing — if it’s a chance for him to win, he’s going to sacrifice his body. With his brother, I know those two push each other and they pull for one another. They’re going to be there for one another as well. I’m almost speechless thinking about coaching my two kids.”

The two play off of each other just as well on the field as they do off of it.

As a senior, Chase’s role as a leader has obviously grown. It’s to the point where he’s basically an on-field coach. Knowing what’s going to keep his coach happy is a bonus as well.

“It’s nice because … being around him all the time, I know what he expects from his players and my teammates,” Chase said. “If I see my teammates goofing around, I can know and I see my dad and he’s gonna get mad. I know. I need to get my teammates in check.”

It’s not just Chase and Jack who are going to be coached by their father this season. Jake took over the middle school program in early August and will be coaching a third son, Alex.

The Eyes and the Bombers open their season Friday on the road against Lisbon. Their first crack at home will be against Jackson-Milton.

“From a selfish standpoint, I want them to have a successful season just because they’re my kids,” Eye told the Tribune Chronicle earlier this month. “As a coach, I want us to do well just for everybody in general.”

byauger@tribtoday.com