The Brooke High School football team celebrated the 16th birthday of a special needs boy at a local restaurant Saturday night.

Friends and family surrounded Matteo Filippelli to watch the West Virginia University football game at Steffillino's on the River in Wellsburg.

Filippelli is a big fan of the Brooke High School football team, and coaches said he helps out with practices.

Family members said he has lots of support from the community.

"One thing that we always said going through camp … he was there with us every day in the practices helping out where he could, getting involved. He has 80 big brothers now," said Sean Blumette, the football coach.

Blumette said the players learned sign language to better communicate with Filippelli.