By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
This Friday night, if you are attending the Stanhope Elmore High versus Prattville High Football game, be aware that metal detectors will be used at all entrances. The game will be held at Foshee-Henderson Stadium at SEHS with kick off at 7 p.m. But you may want to consider coming earlier to allow for the slight delay with the metal detectors being utilized.
SEHS Principal Ewell Fuller said he has wanted to implement metal detectors at games for some time.
“I have really been wanting to do it for a while in light of everything happening in our world today. The access people have when they come into an open public forum has to be considered. This is just a precautionary thing,” Fuller said. “It is just a way to ease the mind. This way, we know we have done everything we can to make sure everyone is as safe as possible.”
Fuller credits Autauga Superintendent Lyman Woodfin, Elmore Superintendent Richard Dennis, Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson and Prattville High School Principal Daniel Farris with great communication and support.
“Everyone is on the same page,” Fuller said. “Moving forward, this will become the standard.”
Metal detectors will be at the home and visitor side entrances. Officers will also use portable detectors and wands.
“Basically, it will be like you see when you enter a courthouse or fly out of an airport,” Fuller said. “You will put any items you are carrying in a basket to be scanned. If it doesn’t beep, you are good to go.”
Gates will be open a bit earlier Friday beginning at 5:30, he said.
“This is a big rivalry game, and the crowds are usually standing room only whenever and wherever we play Prattville,” Fuller said. “So, we are taking that into consideration and would recommend to everyone you may want to come a bit earlier for the game.”
He said that any student, either from SEHS or Prattville, should have their school ID with them.
He also referred to SEHS’ bag policy and stadium rules. We are including graphics with this article.
Anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older, Fuller said.
Loitering will not be tolerated in front of the concession stand. “We ask people to stay in their seats,” Fuller said.
Millbrook Police presence, as usual, will be heavy.
For a complete list of stadium rules, see below.
Children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. DO NOT DROP OFF CHILDREN THAT ARE 15 YEARS OLD OR UNDER. THEY MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PARENT OR GUARDIAN OVER THE AGE OF 21.
● Spectators are expected to follow the dress code in the Elmore County Code of Conduct
● No passes out. Spectators who leave will not be permitted to re-enter.
● No loitering in any areas, including parking lots and the areas around concession stands.
● Please be seated in the stands unless moving to or from different areas. Do not stand against the field fences or in walkways.
● Do not sit or stand on the stairways, in the aisle, or on the railings.
● No smoking or Vaping by anyone of any age at any time.
● Pets, coolers, and outside food/ drink are not allowed.
● Students of any school will also be subject to school discipline according to the code of conduct. Anyone involved in a fight or major disruption may be arrested and banned from attending future events.
● Heed all rules and directions posted, announced, or given by police officers and school officials.
