Photo via The Sporting News

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick returned to his former high school in California last week, following a $15,000 donation that went toward new helmets and uniforms.

According to DallasCowboys.com, Scandrick was recognized at halftime at Los Alamitos' homecoming game against Marina, which the home team won, 64-0.

From @LosAlFootball to the @dallascowboys, @OScandrick32 returns home to where it all began. #MyByeWeek pic.twitter.com/bipESYgZuF

— UNINTERRUPTED (@uninterrupted) October 14, 2017

After high school, Scandrick played four seasons at Boise State and was a fifth-round draft pick by the Cowboys in 2008. With 118 games played for Dallas, he ranks third among current Cowboys behind tight end Jason Witten (228) and long-snapper L.P. Ladouceur (194). 

Scandrick wasn't the only Los Alamitos grad with NFL ties there, as former Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe; former Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens defensive back Antoine Cason; and former Vikings and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) receiver Keenan Howry were also in attendance.

Minnesota youth team headed to Super Bowl

KSMP reports that after someone at the NFL saw a Sports Illustrated story on football in Minnesota that featured the Phelps Falcons youth program, commissioner Roger Goodell was equally inspired, and at Sunday's Vikings home game against the Green Bay Packers, he surprised two of the boys with tickets to February's Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis for their whole team.

The SI piece detailed the lives of half-brothers Isaiah and Zaevion Henderson, who found solace in the sport under the care of aunt Telyse Henderson, after Zaevion's mother was murdered and Isaiah was abused by his mother's boyfriend.

Photo via The MMQB

"They've both suffered some things in life," Telyse said. "For them, everything is clear. They just let go. They don't have to think about anything. Don't have to think about what happened or why they are here with me or anything else."

As for the boys' reaction to Goodell's gift, "I think they were speechless," Telyse said. "For once Isaiah didn't have a thing to say at that moment. He was speechless."

Huge outing for New York running back

Photo via Christopher Lenney/Watertown Daily Times

Gouverneur High School standout Peyton Schmitt set a school and Section 10 record with 433 rushing yards in his team's 56-24 win over Canton, a performance that included first-half touchdown runs of 90, 72, 78 and 70 yards.

John Turcotte of the Watertown Daily Times says Schmitt's total broke the previous marks held by former Wildcat Nate Slate, who ran for a single-game high of 364 yards in 2005.

With the victory, the Wildcats (7-0) won their second straight Northern Athletic Conference championship, the first time they've done so since 1961-62.

“I saw a lot of daylight on the right sideline. Each touchdown was pretty similar," Schmitt said. "More important, back-to-back championships is pretty good. We just have to be smart as we go forward into the playoffs.”

Louisiana team's manager inspires

While cerebral palsy might limit 17-year-old Scott LeBouef's movement, it doesn't hold him back as a first-year Vandebilt Catholic team manager.

Photo via Houma Today

Chris Singleton of Houma Today tells LeBouef's story, including his sideline exploits.

“My basic role is to make sure that their mental state is right before games,” LeBouef said. “I make sure they have all the mental preparation and inspiration they need. Being able to radiate my positivity toward them and everyone else in my life is really a good feeling and I love them to death.”

Vandebilt coach Jeremy Atwell said LeBouef is a positive influence through good times and bad.

“He’s part of our family. He’s very unique,” he said. “He has so much humility. It provides me with so much joy being able to look over and see him out there. It’s awesome for me, the kids and for Scottie to be a part of it. We’re just so glad to have him around and have him a part of this team.”

Illinois special needs player scores TD

Kyle Herchelman of the Journal-News said while things didn't go the Litchfield Purple Panthers' way in a 54-12 loss to Pana, the game's final touchdown provided a boost for everyone in the stadium, as Jayden Slighton scored on a 42-yard run:

Pana HS (IL) leading Litchfield 54-6 in 4th, both agree to let Jayden Slighton, special needs player, score a TD! @SportsCenter #SCTOP10 pic.twitter.com/OIqXMa3toG

— BreezeSports (@breezesports) October 14, 2017

It's unlikely Slighton, a special needs student at the school, will soon forget his gridiron moment and ride off the field.