HEIDELBERG, Miss. (WDAM) – At Heidelberg High School Thursday evening, the Oilers’ first football game since a fatal shooting on homecoming night was not short on hustle or school spirit.
The crowd was much smaller than usual in the tiny town, as a result of new security measures rolled out by the East Jasper School District.
The line at the ticket booth moved at a much slower pace as each fan had to show photo identification.
Staff at the ticket booth had to confirm each person was on a list before they could purchase a ticket.
There also was a clear-bag policy in place for everyone.
Usually, a private security company and Heidelberg Police Department secure these football games, but Jasper County Sheriff Randy Johnson said the school district’s superintendent requested him and some deputies at this game to ease any anxiety.
“We just want people to come enjoy the game and be somewhat normal if they can,” Johnson said. “It’s some good people here in Heidelberg and what happened a couple weeks ago is devastating to the community and we’re just trying to move past that.”
Kemper County’s sheriff was also at the football game with a few deputies.
Johnson said his deputies will also be at Friday night’s Bay Springs High School football game when the Bulldogs host Mize High School.
The Oilers were able to pull off a 54-6 Thursday win over Kemper County.
Fans that were allowed in Thursday had a cohesive message: “Tell them we’re back and better.”
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