CORYDON, Ind. — Hundreds gathered for the Corydon Central versus Silver Creek high school football game Friday night, and watched Bryce Gerlach's family walk across the field for what would've been his Senior Night.
Bryce Gerlach, 18, was fatally shot Saturday, Oct. 12 near New Albany's Harvest Homecoming.
Corydon Central's football field was filled with a sea of blue, Gerlach's favorite color.
The whole school came together for a game that the team's seniors talked about cancelling.
"This is what he would've wanted," senior Landon Waynescott said as he talked about Bryce's love for the student section and football. "He would want it to be a lot of fun."
Waynescott went to preschool with Gerlach and they grew up together. He smiled, thinking about the times they would watch UFC fights and other quality time. Waynescott said he's proud of Gerlach and knows he would want everyone to celebrate his life. He will be an honorary pallbearer for Gerlach's funeral.
"He was the light in a dark room," Waynescott said. "He put people before himself all of the time."
People at the game sported special made blue shirts with Bryce's number 12 on them, wore blue bracelets, even gave out stickers with "LLB" on them, standing for "Live Like Bryce."
A wooden cross stood proudly in his name, baring the phrase "vertraue auf gottes plan", which is German for "trust in God's plan."
People from all over the state came to the Friday game, even Aubrey Petry from Ferdinand, Indiana.
"We support Forest Park most of the time," said Petry. "Just as a mom...obviously very sad for everyone. But, just knowing it's a small community and the support that they got, it touched us."
Number 5 senior player, Waylon Doblado, played Bryce's position as kicker, punter, and defensive back in the first school football game since his death. Doblado said this is an honor for him, smiling as he remembers his good friend.
"I'm really excited to play his spot and hopefully I play as good as he did," said Doblado.
He spoke to an easier week than expected, as team members tried to keep things light during a tough time.
"It's hard but when you bring the team around, and everyone just has big hearts and stays positive, it keeps, it makes it easier," said Doblado.
As Bryce's friends walked across the field, and were recognized for Senior Night, they wished he was too.
"That's what sucks," said Doblado. "We can just honor him the best we can and go out and play the best we can. He's up there praying for us and hoping that we win."
With every play, Bryce's team remembered him.
"It's not really about football. It's more we're doing it for him. It kind of give us more momentum into the game," said Doblado.
Businesses in Southern Indiana came together throughout the week, hosting fundraisers to donate proceeds to the Gerlach family. Rita's Taco Shop raised $12,000 for the Gerlach family.
The restaurant posted on social media after Bryce's death he would come into the shop and order the same meal multiple times a week.
Tuesday, any money they made from selling that meal when to the family. The restaurant said they ran out of rice, chicken and cheese because of the massive support.
The New Albany Police Department (NAPD) said the shooting remains under investigation, adding that progress has been made. Chief Todd Bailey says at least two groups were involved in the dispute leading up to the fatal shooting.
"Our team has worked tirelessly since the incident to bring those responsible for this senseless act to justice. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation many details can't be released," Bailey said.
Anyone with information on the shooting is still encouraged to call the tip line at 812-948-NAPD.
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