Hundreds fill Legion Field for second annual ‘Stop the Violence’ football game

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WIAT ) — A.H. Parker High School and Ramsay High School kicked off their football season with the second annual “Stop the Violence” football game.

Fans from both A.H. Parker High School and Ramsay High School poured into Legion Field for the big game offering support for their favorite team. But it’s the meaning of the game that’s drawing an even bigger crowd.

“I believe this kind of game starts us on that pathway. This is the second year, I applaud the kids and all the organizers for doing this,” said Presiding Judge, Andra Sparks.

Sparks is the creator of Common Ground, a program made to teach conflict resolution to students and teachers within Birmingham City schools. Sparks says the players using their platforms to speak out about gun violence gives him hope.

“They have to be the barriers of that message. Peaceful, attitudes, modeling the things that we want to see in the community. I think they’re the perfect message barriers,” said Sparks.

That same hope is felt by parents in attendance as well.

“It’s so many young kids dying, and I think it’s a big deal like if they want to come out and support, use this platform to stop the violence,” said A.H. Parker High School parent, Tyesha Ford.

Volunteer and coach, Frederic Bolling says gun violence has impacted the community in more ways than one and knowing that the youth are among those impacted hits home.

“We’re going to take away a good football game because this is going to be a good football game. But I just really hope people will embrace what the meaning is and not let that pass because the time is now,” said Bolling. “We need to fix and start showing each other love so that we can start progressing the way we need to.”

With signs plastered throughout the stadium and shirts showcasing a strong message, the goal is to stop the violence and put the guns down.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.