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Northwest High School will observe a moment of silence before its first home football game of the season Friday, in memory of two student-athletes who died over the summer.

Shiane Dixon, 12, was killed in a car accident on June 29. Dixon was a track and field athlete and the younger sister of senior running back Hassan Dixon. Just over a week later, on July 6, sophomore defensive back Edwin "Dek" Miller died after collapsing during a conditioning session four days earlier.

"We as the school have tried to support all of the people involved: the students, the families, the community, and frankly, support ourselves," Northwest Athletic Director Jim Tapley said. "I spoke at two vigils, and it was very challenging for me to keep my composure, keep my sadness in check long enough that I could speak to other people. But that's what we do; we're here for kids. When they hurt, we hurt, but we still have to be the leaders."

Northwest will wear helmets bearing a black sticker with "10" printed on it, the number Miller would have worn, throughout this season. Quince Orchard has also decided to wear the stickers on its helmets.

After commemorating the lives of those lost, Northwest will also celebrate the careers of some past greats. The school, now in its 11th year, will induct its second athletic Hall of Fame class in a ceremony at 5 p.m., then honor the seven inductees at halftime of its game against Springbrook.

Among the seven honorees is former head football coach Randy Trivers, now the running backs coach at Rutgers (N.J.) University. Trivers started the program in 1998 and led it to a state title in 2004.

"It's going to be a night of remembrances," Tapley said. "It is an opportunity for us to look back and reflect, and acknowledge the accomplishments of the individuals, as well as pay tribute to a couple of people in our community. I think it will be a very special night."