North Carolina teen with Down syndrome achieves his goal to play varsity football

From The Charlotte Observer in N.C.:

NEWTON, N.C. -- Last November, Observer columnist Scott Fowler introduced readers to the touching story of Newton-Conover's Justin Weisner (pictured). Justin was born with Down Syndrome, a genetic disorder that can cause mental and physical limitations.

Justin was the team's ball boy in 2007, but was determined to play in 2008. He did double duty as a backup nose guard on the junior varsity and again as ball boy for the varsity. On the final play of the junior varsity season, Justin got into the game. He was double teamed, but made a tackle that folks still talk about.

And he wanted to keep playing.

This year, Justin is playing on the varsity, and he's got a new goal.

“I want to be a running back,” he said. “I want to score a touchdown.”

Justin, now 18, is working with Newton-Conover's linemen. He has a ring as part of the 2008 varsity, which won a state championship. He hopes to play a lot this season.

“Like last year, I'm scared,” said his mother, Tara Walker. “I don't want him to get hurt. But that's his dream to play and I'm not going to stop him from doing that. Coach (Nick Bazzle) said if the team gets ahead, he'll put him in for a little bit. That's good enough for him and we're happy with it, too.” Langston Wertz Jr.