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SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. – Friday night football is back again for another season. High schools all across the state were lit up and fans packed the stands. Players passed the pigskin looking for their first win of the season.

However, the most valuable player at Sampson County’s Hobbton High School isn’t even really on the team.

Few people are more excited about the start of Friday night football than Hobbton junior Brett Bowden. Bowden, who has Down Syndrome, has been on the school’s football team for the past two year but this year, he’ll have to play a different role.

Bowden turned 19 years old this year and that makes him ineligible under state regulations to still be a player on the team. However, to his fellow Wildcats, he’s still the MVP.

Bowden can’t wear the shoulder pads and during games, he can’t wear his helmet but he is still allowed to play with the team before and after the games.

Thousands of people from all across the country have heard of Bowden’s story. They called, emailed and wrote letters to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association begging to let Bowden keep playing on the team.

However, the state regulations prohibit any student 19 or older from playing high school sports. So from now on, this will have to be enough for Bowden and his fans.

After every game, the Wildcats line up in formation and let Bowden score the last touchdown of the night. Whether the team won or lost, the touchdown and endzone dance guarantees everyone goes home with a smile.