Southern Oregon University has raided Siuslaw High School for another top athlete.

Senior Avery Hart plans to play football for the Raiders, joining teammate Henry Rankin, who announced his commitment on Mother's Day.

"My son also committed to SOU," Kristen Christensen said in a message to Exploding Whale Sports, late Mother's Day night.

"They both were offered spots on the team."

It appears it was fated to be so.

"These two boys have played football together since first-grade flag football," Christensen wrote, "and now committed to the same college to continue their careers."

The message was signed "His proud mom."

Hart and Rankin were stalwarts on the offensive and defensive lines, though Hart was hobbled a bit by an injured knee that was called on to support his 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame.

The two helped the Vikings win the Class 3A state football title last fall, and both were first-team all-state, Hart on defense and Rankin on offense.