'True blessing for our family': Pender brothers share last season on same team

PENDER, Neb. -- A pair of siblings in northeast Nebraska are getting one last chance at a shared journey.

"The dream was always like you know two of the Trimble boys playing together on the same football team," said Caleb Trimble, a senior running back at Pender High School. "You know from a young age, I kind of knew that that isn't something we're going to be able to experience."

"You never thought that that would happen," said Caleb's mom Janet Trimble. 

Caleb and his brother Jacob are taking their unique relationship to the field this year.

"We thought about it; and we're like you know what, let's get him on the team, let's get him a jersey," said Pendragon's football coach Cody Volk.

It's something the Trimble family never thought was possible because Jacob is autistic.

"Never thought you see him standing on the sidelines, so it's just a true blessing for our family," said Janet.

Pender Public Schools paraprofessional Kim Hofmeister works with Jacob and was a big reason he's able to help out on the team.

"Just being able to interact with the kids, the kids acknowledging him, that helps out a lot," said Hofmeister.

Though the gear and manager title are perks of the position, being on the team with his brother is the best part.

"Still have that really good brotherhood with him, even though we can't communicate you know probably like most brothers could."

A bond years in the making.

"You could always tell that Jacob relied on Caleb, that he was his security blanket," said Janet.

"A lot of people can't understand him, but living with it at home and stuff, I'm able to pick up on his tendencies and stuff," said Caleb. "You know I understand him amazing. I know exactly what he's thinking at all times."

This is Caleb's last year in Pender before college.

"I know he's definitely going to miss his big brother," said Janet.

It seems the Trimble brothers were saving the best for last.

"This whole year has been a great year," said Caleb. "Having a great season and then having him on the team you know it's just like I said earlier it's a dream come true all in one season. A great way to go out."