MINNEAPOLIS — It was an emotional start to the football season for South High School in Minneapolis.

The team paid tribute to number 17— wide receiver Sha-Kym Adams who drowned in Lake Nokomis just a few short weeks ago.

The 15-year-old was entering his sophomore year at South High and was swimming with teammates after football practice. Those teammates tried to save Adams, who went underwater while swimming to a dock.

Wednesday night, his family was called to the football field where parents Sharrod Rowe and Kimberly Adams were presented with Sha-Kym’s jersey and a letterman’s jacket inscribed with his name.

Reports said the opposing team also offered its support. Eden Prairie cheerleaders had roses for Sha-Kym’s family.  Before the kickoff, fans, teammates and family observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the teen.