Teammates Clear Path As Local Boy with Autism Scores 65-Yard TD

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house at an Acton Pop Warner game Monday after players and coaches arranged a special play for a boy with autism.

Eight-year-old Andrew Martire, who plays for Lowell, grabbed a handoff and streaked down the field for a 65-yard score, grinning from ear to ear as the crowd screamed “Go Andrew!”

“He was so happy,” said his mother, Jessica. “It was magical ... I was in tears. Everyone was in tears.”

A parent captured a video of the moment:

Andrew’s smile lasted long after the touchdown play.

“He came up to me and said, ‘Did you see me, Mommy? Did you see me?’” Jessica said. “I said, ‘Yes, I did!’”

This is Andrew’s first year of football. He has worked hard, practicing with the team since August.

“He deserved it,” said Pat Fuller, acting president of Lowell Pop Warner.

Fuller said it was incredible to see the support of his teammates.

“Usually every kid who is 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds want to be the one to score a touchdown. They stepped aside for him.”

Andrew’s mother said her son is still talking about his touchdown.

“He will remember this moment forever,” she said.

Photo: Andrew Martire (#61) celebrates his touchdown run. (Courtesy photo)