BOCA RATON – Spanish River played its home opener Thursday night against Olympic Heights.

Spanish River was defeated in home opener, but this wasn’t just any game to the Boca Raton community. Tonight the Sharks took the field with heavy hearts and Miles Levine on their minds.

Two weeks ago the Spanish River starting cornerback suffered a serious brain injury that required surgery. He’s been recovering since.

Players wore No. 9 stickers on their helmets to show support for Levine. They also wore arm sleeves and dri-fit shirts with Levine’s picture on them to show respect to the senior.

During pregame Spanish River head coach Bill Ceasar ran out of the Sharks tunnel with his team hoisting Levine’s No. 9 jersey.

The Spanish River fans and Boca Raton community filled the Sharks Stadium with support for Levine. The turnout was huge and seemed to lift the Spanish River squad’s spirits prior to kickoff.

After the postgame handshake between the teams, Olympic Heights presented Spanish River with a No. 9 game jersey that was signed by the entire Olympic Heights football team and staff in honor of Levine.

This was a class act by the Lions and truly showed that football is more than a game. It’s family, so to speak, even if they’re crosstown rivals.

Thursday night was a true testament to how sports can bring a community together in trying times.

Levine’s prognosis has been positive, according to the Spanish River football staff. He’s in good spirits after having surgery.

Although Levine wasn’t physically at the game, his presence was definitely felt tonight with the amount of support he received in his absence.

Spanish River’s next game will be on the road against Suncoast. It’s set for Friday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m.