QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — Quakertown High School implemented new safety procedures Friday night during the annual 309 Bowl football game against Souderton, citing recent incidents involving students found in possession of alcohol at home games.
The rivalry matchup, held during the school’s Friday Night Lights tradition and senior night festivities, drew a large crowd.
“As you can see, we have a great turnout here for our Friday night lights,” said Lisa Hoffman, superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District.
RELATED: 2 teens in custody after guns, marijuana found in backpacks at high school football game
Fans attending the game were greeted with new security measures announced by the school before kickoff. According to a letter from the district, students were found to be in possession of alcohol during the last three home games.
Under the new rules, outside food and drinks are prohibited. Backpacks are not allowed, and any other bags brought into the stadium are subject to search.
“Students were bringing alcohol in; now they want to bring more security,” said Quakertown resident Curtis Teele.
Some attendees said the changes were understandable.
“I didn’t see anything last week, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen,” said Chrissie Bast of Quakertown.
Quakertown is the latest school district to introduce additional security protocols at football games.
The Easton Area School District recently implemented new procedures for Friday night football games following a brawl during a home game. The changes affected fan and student entry, as well as ticketing and seating.
At Truman High School in Bristol Township, a no-backpack policy was already in place.
Police praised the policy after two teenagers were arrested during a home football game when officials said guns and marijuana were found in backpacks hidden on campus.
According to the school district, the students were initially turned away at the entry gate because of the school’s backpack ban. The district has since added metal detectors as an additional security measure.
In Quakertown on Friday night, bags were searched as fans entered the stadium, with lines moving smoothly into the venue.
“Safety is our number one priority here. We are thankful our community has supported us and our efforts that we keep our community students and athletes safe,” Hoffman said.
The district said the new procedures implemented Friday will remain in place for the rest of the home football season.
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Source: 6abc.com
