Vela scores memorable touchdown for San Jacinto

Vela scores memorable touchdown for San Jacinto Intermediate
Posted on 10/23/2018
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By: Jade Wise
Pasadena ISD Communications

Down by 14 to the Southmore Bulldogs with 2:34 left in the game, San Jacinto Intermediate had one of the most memorable plays in Tiger history.

The play call was a simple toss to the running back Jaylon Vela who rolled his way into the endzone in his wheelchair, behind the strong arms of his brother.

Diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his right leg at the end of last school year, Vela and his family made the decision to amputate the leg in hopes of preventing the cancer from spreading.

San Jacinto head coach Ryan Nygaard said that he spoke to Vela a couple of weeks ago, where the former athlete expressed interest in playing again. Nygaard then spoke with Southmore coach Eric Lewis and the two coaches agreed to run the special play, should the opportunity present itself.

As Vela celebrated in the endzone with his teammates, both teams surrounded him to congratulate him on the biggest touchdown of his career.


SJI Tigers pose with teamate Jaylon Vela

Jaylon Vela celebrates his touchdown against the Southmore Bulldogs