City officials are stepping up security for tonight’s football game between E.C. Glass and Heritage high schools.
School officials said the extra security is a proactive measure since the game between the city’s two high schools draws a larger crowd than typical games.
What: Heritage vs. E.C. GlassWhere: City Stadium
When: Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
Related:
Heritage hosts Glass in last non-district duel between city rivals
The additional security steps are not related to the presence of famous astronaut and Heritage grad Leland Melvin, who will be honored at the game.
“People need to come to the game for the sole purpose of the sporting event, whether it be for the game, the band or the dedication to Leland Melvin,” said Lynchburg Police Officer Dave Ragland. “If they want to draw attention to themselves, they will also draw the attention of the police.
“We have a zero tolerance policy for unacceptable behavior.”
Additional security measures were also implemented after last year’s game resulted in at least six fights, Ragland said. Most of the fights involved people who were not students at either school.
After those measures were in place, Ragland said, there was only one other incident during the football season.Last month, officials with the school system, police department and the city’s parks and recreation department met to discuss how to handle this year’s game.
“We actually met with the high schools’ principals and police department and not just for the Glass-Heritage game, but to set up guidelines for all of the home games,” said Roger Roberts, assistant superintendent. “We normally met at the beginning of every school year with police.”
With so much anticipation surrounding the game, Roberts said he wouldn’t be surprised if City Stadium was filled to capacity. He said there would a few changes due to the nature of tonight’s game.
Officials will place barricades at the end of the bleachers so people are not moving from one set of stands to another. Extra lighting has been added for security and there will be more police and school officials present.
“There will be a very strong presence of law enforcement,” Ragland said.
“We plan on having a peaceful game,” Ragland said. “If that doesn’t happen, we have the resources in place.”
These measures will stay in place for each game this season.
“People need to behave themselves when they come to the Glass-Heritage game,” Ragland said. “Otherwise, the consequences will not be pleasant. We will not put up with people acting disorderly. We will not allow a handful ruin it for everyone else.”
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