With 24 hours until their game against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, Albany FireWolves forward Dyson Williams is completely focused on the task at hand.

“It’s a tough league to play in,” said Dyson, a rookie in the National Lacrosse League. “But I think just getting my feet wet has been great.”

Dyson will certainly have his hands full. But so will Desert Dogs head coach Shawn Williams, as he game plans against his son.

“He's the important one now that's playing,” Shawn said. “As a coach, you're helping kind of steer that ship.”

The father and son duo have always been on the same team. Shawn, an NLL hall of famer who played 17 seasons, has coached Dyson since he was 5 years old. This will be the first time they’re on opposing benches.

“It’s very exciting to play against him, and battle,” Dyson said. “We're a very competitive family.”

“Definitely going to take a moment before the game, especially to see [Dyson], give him a hug, and wish him luck,” Shawn said. “And then lay it on the line.”

But this game is more than just about father versus son. It’s about the Williams family and the entire lacrosse community continuing to honor Tucker Williams, son of Shawn and younger brother of Dyson.

“The mantra is 'braver than brave' for a reason,” Dyson said. “He was the toughest kid I've ever met. And what he went through, I wouldn't wish upon anyone else.”

In 2014, Tucker was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Burkitt's lymphoma. During this difficult stretch, the Buffalo Bandits, who Shawn was playing for at the time, launched Tucker Out Lymphoma Night, a game to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer care.

“Tucker is just such an old soul and taught everybody to live more, laugh more, and love more. And that's what we try to do every day,” Shawn said.

In December 2014, Tucker passed away at just 8 years old. It still doesn’t get any easier for the Williams family.

“Playing for those who can't play is important,” Dyson said. “Tucker would love to be playing right now. But unfortunately, it got taken away from him and I just got to keep on fighting.”

But lacrosse, in more ways than one, has certainly helped.

That 2014 game honoring Tucker spearheaded by the Bandits continues to this day. Now in its 11th year, Tucker Out Lymphoma also features the FireWolves with Dyson participating in it for the first time as a player.

“It's a full circle moment, super special,” said Dyson, who has designed a special jersey for this game since its inception in 2014.

The Bandits, FireWolves and Desert Dogs will battle for the Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup a five-game series that will honor Tucker’s legacy. In the Cup’s inaugural matchup, it was Shawn walking away victorious. The Desert Dogs won in overtime over the FireWolves 12-11.

But game’s impact goes beyond the scoreboard.

The jerseys were auctioned off after the game. Proceeds from it will go to the Sick Kids Hospital of Toronto, the Melodies Center at Albany Medical Center, and the Braver Than Brave Foundation.

“Very humbling for our family,” Shawn said. “It's an amazing honor to help carry on Tucker's legacy.”

“It's really special,” Dyson said. “It’s hard to put into words what it means, and how special it is.”

The Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup series continues when the Bandits visit Albany on Feb. 1.