Date: November 24th, 2017 4:56 PM
Author: Flesh death wish
http://highschoolsports.al.com/news/article/8320567294491359953/kicker-asperger/#incart_river_home
not flame
players and coaches watched anxiously as the ball sailed through the uprights. The game wasn't on the line, but there was plenty of emotion for this particular field goal.
The 27-yard kick came Sept. 15 during a 44-7 home win against West Limestone and caused an eruption along the Pirates sideline and in the home stands. Senior Rhett Powers, who suffers from Asperger syndrome, had just kicked his first field goal.
"It was huge," said Rogers senior defensive back Austin Killen, the Pirates' holder. "He was acting kind of nervous, but I told him to just calm down; this is what he does every day in practice and he knocked it down. He was real excited."
"It was exciting," Rogers coach Randall Martin said. "We finish up each day with extra points and field goals, so we've seen him do it. But for him to do it in a game was special. The crowd went wild and it was a special moment for him and his granddad (Doug Trousdale), who comes out here and works with him every day."
Asperger's is an autism spectrum disorder characterized by a struggle with social and communication skills. While Powers doesn't say much, he spoke volumes with his performance. He went on to kick three more field goals on the season and he finished 49 of 55 on extra points for Rogers, which went 11-1 and reached the second round of the Class 4A playoffs.
"Rhett has always wanted to fit in," said Trousdale, who was Powers' holder during one-on-one practice sessions while the team worked on a nearby field. "With his Asperger's, it's been difficult for him. And not just for Rhett, but it's difficult for his classmates to understand him because he's difficult, especially his social skills; he doesn't know how to carry on a conversation."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zfPnPg2tZc
(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=3807864&forum_id=2#34763597)