'It's a special day': Houston-area high school teams honor fallen classmates

Sometimes it's not just a game. When the Heights Bulldogs and Memorial Mustangs took the field on Nov. 13 to meet in a playoff game, each team did so representing a fallen classmate.

Brianna Rodriguez, 16, went to Heights, while John Hilgert, 14, attended Memorial. Both were among the 10 people who lost their lives at the tragedy at the Astroworld Festival at NRG Park on Nov. 5.

"I am glad both sides are supporting Brianna and John," classmate Celia Johnson told ABC 13. "It's been a hard week, but I am happy we can come together as rivals and celebrate their lives."

When the Bulldogs and Mustangs met, football players wore pink and green ribbons on the back of their helmets, while some fans wore sweaters honoring the victims. There were signs and banners around Delmar Stadium, and a moment of silence was held before the game started.

Memorial won the game and advanced in the playoffs, but Xavier Neal, who plays for Heights, called it a memorable day.  

"It's a special day for everyone to come out here and tribute both schools, as both had a hard loss so it was cool for both schools to do that," he told ABC 13.

A memorial for Rodriguez was held a few hours before the game.