In a game from New Jersey’s Shore Conference, Brick Township’s senior kicker Anthony Starego nailed a 21-yard field goal with just over twenty seconds remaining to upset Toms River North 24-21. Starego is autistic, and you can tell from the reaction of players and fans to the winning kick that the moment was beyond special.
According to Max Preps:
Players with autism and other developmental challenges are not unaccustomed to the spotlight, as several have even scored touchdowns in varsity games.
However, those touching moments have typically occurred when games have been well out of reach, with the consent of opposing coaches.
Head coach Robert Dahl Starego was as pleased as anyone about his kicker’s game winning field goal, for obvious reasons other than sealing the upset.
“The kids kind of have taken him under their wings,” Dahl told MaxPreps late Friday night. “When he kicks a kick, it’s really inspirational for our kids. It lifts up our entire team.”
“When he hit it, he ran down the sideline and our entire team ran to him. It was awesome.”
H/T USA Today
