The Abbeville Wildcats did not get a chance to celebrate their homecoming win over the Crowley Gents Friday night. Instead, they were lying on the ground, worried that someone was about to enter J.H. Williams Middle School Stadium with a firearm.
After the teams shook hands, the AHS players and coaches were about to stand in front of the AHS band to hear the school song. Instead, they heard at least five gunshots coming from away from the field. The players and coaches lay on the ground while the fans and students began to run out of the stands. The PA announcer told everyone not to go to the cars in the parking lot. The Abbeville Police determined the gunshots occurred on the side streets, off the school grounds. The fans were able to make their way to their vehicles.
In the meantime, the AHS football players and coaches walked off the field towards the old J.H. Williams Middle School gym. They were eventually cleared to return to the field and track to pick up their gear.
Abbeville head football coach Roderick Moy was unhappy about what occurred away from the football stadium.
“The kids are scared to death, and we knew they would do something stupid,” said Moy. “That is why we went to the clear purse and bag policy because we knew they would do something stupid after the game. It was nothing but a scare tactic.”
Coach Moy said the AHS administration got word that something may happen after the game.
“We can not enjoy anything in our place. That is what is so sad. I got my kids sitting in a bathroom, scared to death.”
