A Phoenix fan wears a t-shirt in memory of Ridge Barden.
/ Katie Corrado
PHOENIX -- Tonight the Phoenix High School football team held a ceremony to remember Ridge Barden before they took to their own field to play their first home game of the season.
The Firebirds held a moment of silence and released balloons into the air in Barden's honor.
The 16-year-old died suddenly during a game at the end of last season.
The community pulled together during the difficult time, even holding a benefit earlier this year to help start the Ridge Barden Academic Scholarship. That sense of community is something Phoenix Athletic Director Jim Drancsak appreciates.
"It's unfortunate a situation like this had to happen, but it just goes to show basically what this community is all about," said Drancsak. "We all came together, we all stuck together, and it's just a great community to be in."
