ARLINGTON, Texas — Updated at 11:25 a.m. with details from the game.
Every football game has its moments. Friday night was a sobering moment for the Allen Eagles.
The football teams from Allen and Rockwall met in the playoffs at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Allen players walked out of the locker room carrying the jersey of their fallen teammate, Marquel Ellis Jr.
The 16-year-old was fatally shot Nov. 16 at a house party in Plano.
Marquel's father was among those in the stands at Friday's game. He says he went to the game because he wanted to feel the presence of his son.
"That's my son. My best friend. My everything," he said.
He says his son would have wanted to carry on the tradition of being at games.
Marquel Ellis Sr. and his brother Lawrence Ellis attended Friday's game despite being in the midst of dealing with immense loss and tragedy.
"I actually wanna go because I know he will be there," said Ellis.
At the beginning of the second quarter students, fans and parents help up signs of the “Allen A” in honor of Ellis.
Teammates also wore the letters "ME" on their helmets to honor him.
"The world has shown us what he meant to them as well," said his uncle Lawrence Ellis.
Rockwall went on to defeat Allen 60-59 to advance in the playoffs.
A balloon release was scheduled for 10 a.m. at Allen High School on Saturday. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with expenses.
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with Ellis' death.
Kemond Smith, 17, and Christian Hill, 18, both face a murder charge in the shooting, officials say. Plano police say both shot into the home.
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