FROM STAFF REPORTS

Due to security concerns, Iredell-Statesville Schools officials have moved up the times of this week’s JV and varsity football games between West Iredell and North Iredell high schools.

School officials announced Wednesday that the JV game will be played at NIHS at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday. The varsity game will kick off at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at WIHS.

In separate Facebook posts on Wednesday morning, both schools explained that the adjustments were necessary “due to events that impacted our community.”

“Our decision to implement these changes is not a response to student behavior but rather to address the evolving dynamics within our community,” officials said.

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James said Wednesday morning that the game times were moved up after consulting with local law enforcement.

“We’re always going to err on the side of safety,” James said.

There were several fights in the community and in the parking lot of a youth football game over the weekend that raised security concerns, the superintendent said. Videos of several of the fights were posted on Instagram.

“It’s a shame that we allow a handful of people in our community to disrupt a county of 200,000 people,” James said.

The superintendent said the district considered playing the games without spectators, but decided that step was not deemed necessary at this time.

There will be extra security at both games.

In addition to the earlier times, both schools will implement a No-Bag Policy at both games. No bags, including purses, diaper bags, and backpacks, will be allowed inside the stadiums.

Standard safety protocols will remain in place at both events. All attendees will be scanned with handheld metal detectors before entering the stadium.

Attendees will also be asked to leave the school premises immediately after each game.

In addition, all children not in high school should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.