FRANKLIN, Wis. — No fans were allowed at the Franklin-Kenosha Bradford playoff football game at Franklin High School due to an ongoing safety investigation.
The Friday night lights were glowing in the distance at Franklin High School before the 7 p.m. kick-off against Kenosha Bradford. However, parents and fans were not allowed in for the big playoff game.
"It's incredibly disheartening, uh disappointing," the dad of a Franklin Football Player, Jesse Miller explains.
Miller was hoping to watch his son, Jace Miller, under the Friday night lights. His son is a senior at Franklin.
"He texted and just said parents and fans can’t come," Miller says.
However, he turned his typical “pre-home game” tailgate into a watch party due to the circumstances. Fans had to cheer from a distance.
That's according to a letter sent to Franklin Public Schools families on Friday.
However, TMJ4 reached out to Kenosha Bradford for more information, and they allege their student is not under investigation. We have reached out to Franklin Public Schools for further clarification.
Miller says this situation is "incredibly frustrating”. However, he does understand certain safety measures should be met.
“I understand, listen anytime something like this pops up, safety first," Miller explains.
Miller says he thinks the decision to not let fans in was unnecessary after hearing that the Kenosha Bradford player involved would not be at the game.
"Where do we draw the line, what's the end? So no fans, should we cancel the game? Should we shut down all of Franklin? Should we close down the interstate? I mean at what point do we draw the line of what's reasonable safety?" Miller says
"This decision was made out of an abundance of caution," the letter says in part. "Only players, coaches, and other approved Franklin Public Schools personnel will be allowed on campus."
The letter says there will also be an increased police presence on site.
The letter concludes, "We understand this is disappointing for those of you wishing to attend the event and appreciate your understanding."
Spectators weren't the only ones missing from the game. The cheerleaders, dance team, and band had to watch from afar as well.
"As a senior, just kinda counting down your last games, so it's kind of sad to get one of the last ones taken away from us," Senior Cheerleader at Franklin, Kaitlyn Antczak explains.
Antczak says this was a major game everyone was looking forward to. Especially the seniors.
"It's someone's last game so it's sad for either team not to have any fans there," Antczak says.
TMJ4 is working to confirm more.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Important change to tonight's FHS Football Game vs Kenosha Bradford. Unfortunately, no spectators will be allowed. See this important message. pic.twitter.com/zTqiXWAge6
— Franklin Public Schools WI (@FPSDistrictWI) October 20, 2023
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