A Plano high school football team played its first game Friday after losing a longtime coach.
Prestonwood Christian Academy opens its season against powerhouse Celina.
The Lions' defensive coordinator, Wade McLain, collapsed and died after a practice in sweltering temperatures Aug. 1.
The team has dedicated its season to McLain.
The school honored McLain's memory with a special prayer ceremony at the start of Friday's game. The team wore a helmet decal with McLain's initials on it.
McLain was also featured prominently in Prestonwood's game program with a pictorial essay on the first page.
"So it was just a great memorial, a great opportunity for this school as a community to come together and say goodbye one more time," family friend Chuck Georgas said.
The entire McLain family attended Friday's ceremony, which began at 7 p.m. McLain's son is a defensive back on the Prestonwood team.
NBC 5's Ellen Goldberg contributed to this report.
