Lewiston Community Unites at High School Football Game in Healing after Tragic Mass Shooting

Landmark Football Game Becomes Symbol of Resilience Following Maine's Deadliest Mass Shooting, as Community Honors Victims and First Responders Through Unprecedented Unity

The significant football game known as the Battle of the Bridge, between Lewiston High School and Edward Little High School, became a symbol of unity and resilience after Maine's deadliest mass shooting. The game was initially postponed due to the lockdown that followed the horrific event.
First responders who dealt with the crisis were honored before the game; the players lined up and applauded as various police departments, firefighters, and medical personnel took to the field. Grammy winner James Taylor performed the national anthem during this ceremony which also acknowledged the 18 victims of the shooting.
The football match served as a way for the community to begin healing, with everyone aware of the gravity of the situation, as they all knew someone affected by the shooting. The Lewiston Public Schools Superintendent thanked the first responders and referenced this return to 'normal' as a crucial step in the healing process.
In a big show of support, the two rival schools' communities came together, with banners displaying unity messages and placards honoring each victim of the shooting. This level of unity extended beyond the direct communities, attracting attention and messages of encouragement from notable figures like New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and actor Will Ferrell.
In an emblematic action, Lewiston's starting quarterback, Jeffrey Randall, took a knee at the '18-yard line,' expressing a powerful tribute to the 18 people lost in the shooting.