Friday, November 12th 2021, 5:11 pm
A Bartlesville Football player is getting a lot of attention for scoring a touchdown during last week's game against Choctaw. His coach says James is reminding the state, what the game of football is truly about.
Whether you were in the Bartlesville Football Stadium last Friday watching the game in person or you are watching the video for the first time you can't help but feel the joy of the moment.
"I had no idea that our kids were going to leave the sidelines but that is who they are," said Bartlesville High School Head Coach Jason Sport.
A touchdown by Football Player James Droz.
"It was my first time running the ball," said Droz.
"He just took off and I was wondering, 'Where did he get those wheels!" said Susan Hainzinger, James's Mom.
The crowd lit up and then a video of the touchdown took social media by storm. James has been heavily involved with the football team. He has special needs and since he couldn't always play on the field--- he helped coach.
"He has been right there with us for 4 years. Looking at the schedule I told his mom, 'I would like to get him in a game sometime,'" said Coach Sport.
The pieces came together during Bartlesville's game against Choctaw and Choctaw was all in.
"I just wanted this to be a moment where I said, 'Hey James, I love you.' What I was not expecting is that after he crossed the goal line that kids on the team ran up to him saying, 'Hey James, I love you.'"
"Being a special needs parent, all we ever want is for our kids to be loved and accepted and included," said Hainzinger.
Coaching has always been more than a game for Coach Sport, he teaches life skills.
He says James reminded the entire state, Friday what football is all about.
"After the games, I see hugs from coaches and players...it is so comforting to know that your kid is loved and is valued and is important," said Hainzinger.
"I love my team," said Droz.
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