Spectators Allowed Back For Rich South/Central Game

Rich Township High School District 227 officials have changed their tune and will now allow spectators in the stadium for Saturday's football game between Rich South and Rich Central high schools.

Officials had originally planned to ban fans from Saturday afternoon's game at Rich Central in the aftermath of a recent brawl between students from the rival schools.

Superintendent Doris Langon described the decision to the Southtown Star as a "victory for the community."

Principals from both high schools were warned that weapons would be brought to the game, but district officials plan to have extra security and teachers on hand.

Players, coaches and parents will also meet at the 50-yard line before the game to say a special prayer.

Sixteen students were charged and several more were injured in connection with the melee sparked after 1,400 Rich Central students were bused to the Rich South following a bomb threat on Sept. 30. Someone pulled a fire alarm inside Rich South, and the fights began when those students filed outside.

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