SNOHOMISH, Wash. -- Special needs students are often sidelined in sports and in life, but not Ike Ditzenberger. Despite having Down syndrome, the Snohomish High sophomore is determined to play college football just like his big brother.

Ike is 16 years old chronologically, but cognitively he's at about a first-grade level. Yet, he's on the junior varsity team.

The Snohomish Panthers have developed a play called the Ike Special. Each week in practice, they let their 5-foot, 5-inch teammate score a touchdown.

"If he's with a team he's alive," said his mother Kay Ditzenberger. "(He's) connected to the rest of the world."

The rival Lake Stevens Vikings heard about a wide receiver named Ike. During Monday's game, they were up a few touchdowns and at halftime asked the Panthers' coach if they could play the Ike Special.

"They passed him the ball and the waters parted," his mom said.

Ike went on to score.

"To see him score a touchdown, never saw him that happy before," said Ike's teammate Ryan Fromm.

Both cheering sides erupted in high fives and hugs.

"He just had look in his eyes like greatest moment of his life," one student said.

Ike's mom cried watching number 54 live his dream in the end zone.

"They redefined worth," Kay said. "Players often are defined by their scores on the board, but they showed he was worth their effort and time."

Ike has another goal to tackle, he's joining the wrestling team next.