Phoenix (WSYR-TV) –Football players and coaches in Phoenix paid special tribute to a teammate who died after a game last year.
The Firebirds honored their teammate Ridge Barden by wearing special stickers on their helmets. The coaches wore arm bands with Barden’s number, 70, and also the initials “RB.”
In addition, the team has dedicated its season to Barden and they will bring a jersey with his number on it to each game.
“There’s not a day that’s gone by that Ridge is not in our thoughts and his family in our prayers since the 14th of last October,” said coach Jeff Charles.
The team held a moment of silence and released orange and black balloons before its 4:30 p.m. game at John C. Birdlebough High School in Phoenix on Friday.
Last fall, Barden died at the hospital after sustaining an injury during a game at Homer High School.
An autopsy later revealed that the 16 year old died as a result of bleeding in the brain.
