Jacon Brock Makes the Highlight Reel During Middle School Game
Posted
Dale Hubler-dhubler@timesuniononline.com
His 30-yard touchdown run didn't count toward the final score, but make no mistake, Jacob Brock turned in the highlight of the night Tuesday. During halftime of the 8th grade football game between Edgewod and Lakeview middle schools, the 13-year-old brock, an 8th grader at Lakeview who is autistic, developmentally disabled and suffers from cerebral palsy and facial dysplasia, took a handoff and sprinted to the endzone. As his classmates blocked for him, cheerleaders chanted his name and held up signs with his name on them. The estimated 2,000 fans in attendance cheered wildly. The public address announcer called the scripted play as Brock, wearing a No. 22 jersey, made his way up the middle of the field. While Edgewood won the game, the evening belonged to a special young man described as “funny, silly and happy.” “This means the world,” said Jeremy Brock, Jacob's father. “As you can see, I'm starting to cry. This is so special. Jacob's teacher (Tiffany Alberts) has done so much for him. We can't thank her enough.” Alberts, now in her second year working with Brock, came up with the idea of Tuesday's event, which was part of the Pink Out game that raises money for cancer awarness, and went to athletic director Matt Deeds and principal Jon Lippe for approval. “Jacob loves every sport possible,” said Alberts. “He's a funny, silly, happy kid. He's a little stubborn because he wants to do things on his own. He's very determined. We go to the gym every day and he throws a wiffleball up and hits it. He kicks the football. He's always playing some sport, and just wants to be a typical kid.” What Brock did Tuesday was anything but typical. Suffice it to say, those who were there may not remember the score of the game, but it'll be hard to forget Brock's performance.
