A middle school football game in Winchester, Tennessee, ended early Tuesday night after authorities said a 16 year old girl ran onto the field and tackled a player following a scuffle during the game.
The incident happened during the matchup between South Middle School and Cornersville Middle School at Franklin County High School. South Middle uses the high school field for its home games.
According to investigators, South Middle had just scored a touchdown and extra point at around 8 p.m. when two players became involved in a scuffle near the end zone. Referees threw flags as the players began returning toward their respective huddles.
Authorities said the teenager then climbed over a fence and entered the field. She ran toward one of the South Middle players involved in the earlier confrontation and tackled him.
Investigators said the teenager struck the player again before standing over him. Coaches eventually intervened and separated the two.
Game Ends Early After Field Incident
School resource officers met the teenager as she walked toward the Cornersville Middle School sideline. Officials subsequently cleared the field and ended the game early.
South Middle won the contest 35 to 0.
The teenager was attending the game with her parents, according to deputies. She was released to her family that night. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office charged her Wednesday morning with assault and disorderly conduct.
Franklin County Schools also issued the teenager a lifetime trespass ban covering district properties. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association separately banned her from attending Cornersville Middle School athletic events for one year.
School officials praised coaches, staff and school resource officers for their response. South Middle Principal Dr. Brewer said the quick response helped ensure that no one was injured during the incident.
Schools Reviewing Safety Measures
Authorities said they do not currently expect additional security changes for Franklin County High School football games because those events already have an enhanced police presence.
Officials are, however, considering additional safety measures for middle school football games during the remainder of the season.
Marshall County Director of Schools Justin Perry confirmed that the teenager is a Marshall County Schools student. The district is cooperating with the TSSAA and local law enforcement but said it could not provide additional information because of student privacy laws.
The incident has renewed attention on sportsmanship and spectator behavior at youth athletic events. School officials said player, staff and fan safety remains a priority as middle school football continues across the area.
