Good Sports: Blazer Buddies

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- It's a scene that plays out every Friday night in the fall, the roar of the fans in the stands cheering on the local high school football team. On the Golden West Trailblazers sideline, their biggest supporter wears #40 Josh Morales.

"He was diagnosed with Hypertonia, it's a disability in the muscles, he was told, parents were told he would be unable to talk and walk," said Golden West Special Education teacher Manuel Silva.

Golden West football player Bryson Johnson met Josh through a Special Olympics program and a friendship quickly formed.

"Just got to sit down, talk with him for a while and just became really close and told him hey come out and be our team manager for football," said Johnson.

Without hesitation, Josh agreed to join with help through the Blazer Buddies program.

"He's just something extra special, he always has a smile on his face when we are coaching football in the classroom," said Golden West Football head coach Paul Preheim.

"We always win. Yeah we are undefeated 4-0," said Morales prior to the team's game against Redwood.

Josh knows his stats and his football attending a majority of practices and never missing a gameday, providing a spark from the sideline.

"I love being with the players and I love all of them," said Morales.

The feeling is mutual and the life lessons are everlasting.

"He's not as privileged as we are to get to suit up and play under the lights and to have him on the sideline is just like hey let's do this for Josh," said Johnson.