HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – For many, Friday nights in the fall mean cheering on the hometown team. For Jackson Goddard, a junior at Beech High School, it’s an opportunity for so much more.

Goddard, who was diagnosed with autism at age 2, has found his place at Beech High as the school’s beloved mascot, Buc-ee.

“I love doing the Buccaneer walk, running with the football players, and waving to everybody,” Goddard said. “My favorite part of Friday night is getting everybody pumped up by being the mascot.”

Four years ago, Goddard and his family made a 2,000-mile move from California to Tennessee. His mother, Rebecca Goddard, initially found the transition difficult but now sees the profound positive impact it has had on Jackson.

“Our move was hard for me, but it has been, by far, the best thing I’ve ever done for Jackson,” Rebecca Goddard said, praising the community, teachers, staff, and students. “I can’t say enough about Shackle Island, and how Shackle Island is strong.”

Football was Goddard’s first love, a passion ignited by spending countless Saturdays watching games with his dad. Beech High School quickly became his second.

“I like to watch my friends play the game, and I like the speed of it,” Goddard said. Not long after becoming a Buccaneer, he made it his mission to be a part of Friday nights.

Cheer coach Betsy Mitchell recalled Goddard’s persistence.

“Jackson stopped by my office every day for weeks and asked if he could be part of the cheer team,” Mitchell said. “One day, he asked me if he could be Buc-ee. He came to our tryouts every day and did what I asked him to do, so I knew he would make the perfect fit.”

Rebecca emphasized the commitment involved.

“I had to remind him that it was a commitment for more than just a game, and it was an entire season,” she said. “I’m very hard on him, even with his disability, that his commitment and his word are everything.”

That commitment has not gone unnoticed by his peers.

“He is always in the front of the student section, starting cheers and cheering along with Beech Patrol. He’s awesome,” said student Jordan Green.

Ayla Miller, another student, added, “He is always just caring for others, and it’s really helped me become a more caring person as well.”

As much as the Goddard family needed Shackle Island, Shackle Island needed Jackson.

“I love to get this crowd all jam-packed, and I like everybody getting together to support our football team,” Goddard said, embodying the spirit of community and unwavering support.