Apalachee High School football plans to return to the field for a game Friday night in Athens.
The team hasn’t played since four people, including teacher and defensive coordinator Ricky Aspinwall, were shot and killed at the school three weeks ago. Students returned to classes Tuesday.
School officials notified region foe Clarke Central High on Wednesday that Apalachee intends to play the scheduled game at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Athens, Clarke Central athletic director Jon Ward said. Apalachee didn’t play the past three weeks, including the cross-county rivalry game against Winder-Barrow High.
Apalachee offensive coordinator Jordan Rushing said earlier this month that an eventual return to football “will help bring some healing to our community.
“I know without a shadow of a doubt (Aspinwall) would want to go play some football.”
On Saturday, actor and wrestler Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, hosted Apalachee football players and coaches at a film studio in Atlanta. Johnson stated he plans to attend Apalachee’s next home game, scheduled against Jackson County on Oct. 4 — the one-month anniversary of the school shooting.
“I’m here in any and every way I can be — to give my support and love to them and their families as they begin their healing journey,” Johnson wrote in an Instagram post.
Two Apalachee seniors — Favian Williford and Jason White — were named honorary captains Sunday night when the Atlanta Falcons hosted the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his wife, Jane, contributed $10,000 to the GoFundMe established for Aspinwall’s wife, Shayna, and their two young daughters.
The outpouring of support “has been humbling,” Apalachee football coach Mike Hancock said.
“Anybody can send thoughts and prayers, and I don’t want to make light of that,” he said. “But it’s the genuine care of wanting to help — it’s real.”
Ward said he discussed with Apalachee officials the potential for severe weather this week as Hurricane Helene strengthens in the Gulf Coast. Nearly 20 games across the state this week have been rescheduled.
“As of now, we’re going to keep the game scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m.,” Ward said.
— This developing story will be updated
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