Lakeside High School takes on Evans High in football Friday, but for many the game will take a backseat to the marching bands.

The Marching Virginians, Virginia Tech's band, will perform in honor of Ryan Clark, a Lakeside alum who was fatally shot while trying to help a classmate during the April 2007 shooting rampage at Virginia Tech. Mr. Clark, who played in Virginia Tech's and Lakeside's bands, was one of 32 people killed during the spree.

Along with those from Virginia Tech, band members for Lakeside and Evans will perform the national anthem during a halftime show.

The event resonates with Lakeside seniors Brian Rickerman and Kara Silver, both 17. It offers them an opportunity to honor a former band member at their school, play with a major university band, and perform for the first time in their final year at Lakeside.

"Nothing I've ever done is bigger than this," Brian said. "We'll get to perform with a huge college band on our first game of the season. It's going to be huge."

As of Wednesday, the school had sold more than 1,100 tickets and is adding bleachers to accommodate a sizeable turnout.

"This is such a great opportunity to play with Virginia Tech," said Kara. "It's great to see how the (Virginia Tech) band remembers him (Mr. Clark) and how the community remembers him."

Proceeds from a T-shirt sale at the game will be used to fund the Ryan Clark Scholarship, which is awarded annually by Columbia County Community Connection to students who distinguish themselves for their dedication to community service. Photos of the T-shirt can be seen here.

"It's a respect thing," Kara said. "I didn't know Ryan, but I know that he was special and I think a lot of people know he was special. They want to do something to remember him."

Advance tickets are $5 at the front office of Lakeside High, 533 Blue Ridge Drive in Evans. Tickets will be $6 at the gate. Donations can be sent to the Ryan Clark Scholarship Fund at Security Federal Bank, 7004 Evans Town Center Blvd., Evans, GA 30809.