Autistic High School Student Kicks Game-Winning Field Goal

BRICK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — A high school student with autism becomes a hero on the football field. Sounds like a good movie doesn't it? Well, it's a true story.

The score was tied with just 21 seconds left on the clock Friday night. Out trotted Brick High School's Anthony Starego, an 18-year-old kicker who's used to facing adversity.

Starego was orphaned at the age of 3 and then grew up with a long list of developmental issues. So when he jogged out on the field to attempt a game-winning field goal against favored Toms River North, one couldn't blame him if he didn't feel overwhelmed by the moment.

What happened next was something usually reserved for Hollywood. He split the uprights and the place went crazy. But there was nothing ordinary about that kick. It was a lifetime in the making, CBS 2′s Otis Livingston reported Tuesday.

"As soon as the officials went like this, I was a blubbering idiot," father Ray Starego said, demonstrating the hand movement for a successful field goal.

"I was just crying, but I wasn't going to stop watching him because he was just jumping for joy. It really was unbelievable," added Reylene Starego, Anthony's mother.

For the rest of this story, complete with video, please visit CBS New York.