SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- A football player born with Down Syndrome stole the show on Thursday after he scored a touchdown during the final seconds of the Mitchell High School game.
Tayler Reichelt, who's known as "T-Man," has appeared in a few games over the past two seasons, but on Thursday, he not only got to take part in a play, he got to score the final touchdown in a 79-22 victory over Sturgis High School, the Mitchell Daily Republic reported.
Mitchell head coach Kent VanOverschelde said he was speechless after Reichelt ran 58 yards down the field untouched.
"That'll be a moment, that all of us will cherish," VanOverschelde told the Daily Republic. "Anyone that was in this ballpark, will cherish that moment for a long time."
According to the Daily Republic, Sturgis coach Chris Koletzky called a timeout when he realized Mitchell was taking a knee to run out the clock. He said he asked his defensive players whether they were open to letting Reichelt score.
"To me, it's a no-brainer," said Koletzky. "It's a great thing because that's something he'll never forget and we're all out here for the kids and to create memories. That's a great one tonight, and I bet our kids won't forget it either."
Reichelt took the handoff from his quarterback and carried it 58 yards, dashing past diving Sturgis defenders on his way to the end zone, where he was promptly mobbed by his teammates.
It's been quite a start to senior year for Reichelt, who was voted homecoming king by the Mitchell high school student body in September.
"Tayler has worked extremely hard. He shows up every day and waits for his opportunity," VanOverschelde told the Daily Republic. "Tonight was definitely well worth the wait."
