The 2023 inaugural kickoff for two high school teams from Richmond, Virginia, will be held without fans in the stands, a precaution against what the district is calling a “violent” social media threat.
The Huguenot and Thomas Jefferson high schools’ season openings are scheduled to take place on Aug. 25 at the Falcons’ field, but the reported incident has forced the schools to take preventive measures to ensure public safety.
Huguenot High School’s Facebook page released the following statement on Thursday:
“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of the RPS community. RPS is aware of a recent social media post about tomorrow’s soccer game at Huguenot High School.”
Per WRIC TV in Richmondthe following guidelines were established:
- No spectators are allowed at the game
- Only players, coaches, cheerleaders, band and staff sponsors are eligible
- School administration, security staff and law enforcement will be present at all times
- Huguenot High School campus and parking lots will be closed during the game and visitors will not be permitted on school grounds
Growing concern about the threat has only added to an angry dark cloud looming over the area. The incident followed the tragedy that occurred during the graduation ceremony of Huguenots in early June, when a The graduate and his stepfather were shot outside of the event.
As the students and community still work to recover from this harrowing act, attention now turns to Friday night, shifting the focus from the game to another senseless incident.
“This violent threat against Huguenots is an ugly reminder of what happened on June 6 at the graduation ceremony,” he explained Jonathan Young, Board Member, Richmond School. “And if anyone needs further proof that coddling bad actors is a recipe for chaos, it surely should be the impossibility of even allowing children to play a game.”
No further updates have been deployed at this time.
More
RESULTS: Live in-game results across the country as they happen
College sports are broadcast live on the NFHS network
