Parents and fans attending Deshler High School's homecoming football game against Danville Friday night can expect an increased police presence along with added security measures.
Colbert County Sheriff Eric Balentine told 1819 News that he and five deputies would attend the game to assist Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan with security.
Deputies were on hand at last week's game due to threats made against the school related to an incident where freshman August Borden was severely injured on his way to football practice. The threats prompted Borden's parents to issue a video message calling for peace as they continue to seek answers and justice for their son.
No new threats have been made against the school or football game, Balentine said. However, he said Chief Logan still wanted more manpower due to remaining tensions over the Borden incident and the added homecoming crowd.
"Unlike last week, we haven't had any threats made," he said. "We've had a really good week this week as far as everybody being calm. I think because it's homecoming weekend and the anticipation of more people being there because it is homecoming and because of the events of the past couple weeks. Probably for the next couple of home games, you're going to see some extra law enforcement there."
Balentine said he was not anticipating any security issues at the game.
Several Deshler players wore yellow ribbons in the last game in honor of Borden. The investigation into the cause of his injuries has been turned over to the Madison County District Attorney's Office and the Franklin County Juvenile Probation Office.
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