GUILFORD COUNTY, N.C. — Northwest Guilford High School men's lacrosse memorial game against Mooresville was about more than being great competitors.
It was about supporting a teammate Will Nix and his family.
"It's overwhelming support is how I'd like to say it," Nix said. "Even if I'm feeling down one day I can come to practice and know I have a pick me up. I'm never alone."
Powerful words coming from 15-year-old Will Nix.
His father Sgt. Phillip Dale Nix worked for the Greensboro Police Department for 23 years.
He died in a shooting last December as he tried to stop a theft at a gas station.
But Friday night Will felt the love on the field more than ever.
Sgt. Nix's GPD unit provided the color guard for the national anthem, something Corporal Kenneth Allison said Sgt. Nix did for 21 years.
"He mentored everyone that was on the field today. So Keeping his memory alive is the main thing we want to keep doing," Allison said. "No matter what happens we'll support him and his family."
Since his passing the support for his son and wife Kelly has been overflowing.
During half-time Kelly and Will received a signed helmet from the team and a jersey with Sgt. Nix's badge number on the back.
"It's a piece of history now it'll be with the FJC forever," Nix said. "I see family I don't see friends I just see family with me now."
Athletic director Jason Allred said he admires Nix's strength.
"With Will being a lacrosse player for us it was a great moment to honor his father because Will really embodies his father's characteristics, his outgoing personality and devotion to community service," Allred said.
A tribute video on the big screen touched the hearts of many in the stands.
Honoring a man whose dedication to service touched many lives.
There were two raffles during Friday night's game. One will go to the Nix family, the other will go to a scholarship fund in Sgt. Nix's name.