Tonight, Apalachee High School will host its first home football game since the devastating school shooting that occurred on September 4, leaving the Winder community grappling with grief. The shooting, which claimed the lives of two students and two teachers, and injured nine others, stunned the school and surrounding area. Colt Gray, a 14-year-old student, is facing charges for the attack, after he smuggled an assault rifle into the school in a backpack.

Tonight’s game, featuring Apalachee against Jackson County High School, is a significant milestone in the school’s recovery.

The event has drawn wide attention, and Apalachee is encouraging families of players and performers to secure the limited tickets available. The game will also be broadcast as Georgia Public Broadcasting’s “Game of the Week” and live-streamed for the broader community to watch and support remotely.

This football game, beyond its athletic importance, symbolizes a step forward for “Chee Nation,” as students, families, and residents come together under the Friday night lights to show resilience in the face of tragedy.

The school is expecting a large crowd tonight and is asking that community members who do not have students involved in the game allow the parents from both schools to have the limited number of tickets first.