NATCHEZ — The beginning of a new football season is usually filled with anticipation and excitement.

But for the Natchez High Bulldogs, the opening game of their 2009 season will also include reflection and remembrance of a fallen teammate.

At halftime of Natchez’s game against Jefferson County tonight, the school will retire the No. 59 jersey of lineman Larry Brown Jr., who was killed in a car accident on Christmas Day last year.

Natchez High Athletic Director Fred Butcher said retiring Brown’s number is a fitting tribute.

“We want to publicly recognize and illustrate the kind of person he was on and off the field,” Butcher said. “He only played for two years but made tremendous achievements. We also wanted to do something to let his parents know we enjoyed working with L.J. and respected him.”

Each Natchez player has signed Brown’s jersey, which has been framed. In addition, each Bulldog player will wear a No. 59 sticker on his helmet for the remainder of the year and a No. 59 has been painted on the stadium turf.

A scholarship fund has also been set up in honor of Brown, which will be given to a Natchez High student who possesses his qualities, Butcher said.

Natchez High football coach Lance Reed said the 2009 season has been dedicated to Brown’s memory.

“He is really missed among our team and family at Natchez High School,” Reed said. “We want to let everyone know that we’ll really miss him and will never forget him.”

Reed said Brown was an intense competitor on the field, but a gentleman off of it.

“I think he was a gentle giant,” Reed said. “That explained his character to a tee. Larry is always on our minds.”

And with his number now being retired, Brown will always be remembered at Natchez High School.

“To the best of my knowledge, this is the first time something like this has occurred here,” Butcher said. “Retiring a jersey is the ultimate respect you can pay to a player.”