Even among the best of friends, video games can become a major source of confrontation and hard feelings. The assertion of dominance in this "sport" by one half of an otherwise inseparable duo can provoke a heated response.
The highly volatile video game issue has also affected the friendship of two senior lacrosse teammates, goalie Tillman Johnson and defenseman Brett Hughes. The two have known each other since their recruiting trip to Virginia as high school seniors, but video gaming remains a point of contention between the two.
Tillman "doesn't provide as much competition in video games as I'd like," Hughes said.
Despite their differences in the video game world, the two stars' on-the-field prowess is unquestionable. The foundation of the Cavalier defense, both players were named preseason first-team All-Americans this season and are considered by many to be the best players in the nation at their positions.
Hughes and Johnson's relationship extends beyond just playing next to each other on the field. For Hughes, Johnson committing to Virginia actually played an important role in his decision.
"When I met him, I knew that I was coming in," Hughes said. "I knew that I'd be playing with one of the best goalies ever to come through college lacrosse."
After arriving at school, the two became friends, as Johnson ended up rooming with Hughes' best friend from home, junior midfielder Jon Focht.
"I kind of knew him from a camp," Johnson said. "I always knew he was the crazy guy with the long hair."
Despite a slow start to the season this year, the Cavaliers have come alive as of late, knocking off No.1 Johns Hopkins last Saturday night. Johnson's point blank save in overtime was a major reason for the Cavalier victory, leading almost immediately to the game-winning goal by sophomore Foster Gilbert.
Over the last four years the two have learned to lean on each other on the field. Early this season, Hughes took a hit on the head which left him at least partially unconscious for a few seconds about 15 yards from the Virginia goal.
"What really showed me the strength of our bond is when I had that accident in Denver, he stayed right behind me the whole way on the field," Hughes said. "Tillman had the chance to walk away, but I know he stayed there right with me."
Having played together as long as they have, the strong bond between Hughes and Johnson has made Cavalier lacrosse a unique experience for each player. They have experienced a wide range of emotions together, from last year's national championship to this season's frustrating start to Hughes' scare in Denver.
"It's really special on the field because I've never had such a close friend out there," Johnson said.
Hughes echoed that sentiment and said he has enjoyed playing alongside his good friend.
"Hopefully I'll get to play lacrosse some more after this season, but it'll never be the same," Hughes said. "I've taken it a lot more personally than I ever have before, letting a kid score."
Things aren't all serious for the two lacrosse stars. Even on the field, Hughes and Johnson aren't constantly focused wholly on the task at hand.
"I know in games we joke around on the field," Johnson said. "Sometimes he just never stops talking. He's one of those where he'll tell a story and keep going on and on."
As to Hughes' claim that Johnson is not on his level in video games, there the two seem to disagree for the first time.
"He's full of it with that one," Johnson said.
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