PORTSMOUTH, Va. — I.C. Norcom and Churchland high schools completed the football game that was interrupted by gunfire near the stadium in Portsmouth last Friday night.
In video captured by WTKR News 3 at the game, with 39 seconds left on the clock and Norcom in the lead by 1 point, 11-10, multiple gunshots rang out.
Players sprinted off the field and spectators scrambled off the bleachers.
“Well, what was first going through my mind, it was kind of like, what is that? I was like what is that? And then once I realized what it was, you know, I had to, you know, go run," I.C. Norcom senior linebacker Jahri Whitfield said.
Churchland led 10-0 at the half before Norcom stormed back with 11 unanswered points in the second half.
“We had to abruptly stop the game with 39.8 seconds, and we were in a punting situation at the time. So, we had to come back, and I guess Churchland wanted to play this and finish the game, so that’s what we did," Anthony Hawkins, I.C. Norcom Football head coach said.
The two teams met at I.C. Norcom's stadium at 5:00pm on Tuesday to play out the end of the game.
After finishing the game on Tuesday, The score remained 11-10. I.C. Norcom handed the Truckers just their second loss this season, which is considered an upset.
Both players and coaches recognized that in a situation like Friday night's shooting near the stadium, safety was the main priority.
“I thank God, you know, for keeping all my teammates and we still have our same circle, the fans, no tragedies, everybody else was safe, so I thank God that everybody was safe and sound," Whitfield said.
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Police tell WTKR News 3 that the gunfire was not at the stadium or on the grounds of the school, but came from nearby.
There were no reported injuries from the incident and police have not shared an update about who was involved in the shooting.
