Student recalls running for her life at football game before threat deemed false

CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Confusion about a potential threat at Friday night’s West Cabarrus High School football game momentarily paused the game, according to Cabarrus County Schools.

In a statement, the school system said there was a period of confusion caused among spectators in the bleachers, which stemmed from an incident near the concession stand.

Officials said a group of adolescents ran into the bleachers from the concourse area and caused confusion.

Officials said law enforcement from the Concord Police Department that were stationed at the game determined immediately there were no threats.

“At no time were there any weapons or weapons-related threats. Once order was restored in the grandstands, the game was resumed to completion,” officials with the school district said. “As always, we thank our local law enforcement and school administration for providing a safe environment for our schools and our campus events.”

West Cabarrus senior Taylyn Shaver, 17, stepped out of her comfort zone and attended her first Wolverines football game that night.

“I was actually watching and enjoying the game to see if our team would win,” Shaver said. “Everything like that. And it was going really good until the last part.”

Shaver saw people running.

“I heard someone say, ‘They have a gun. They’re shooting,’” the senior said.

Shaver said her survival instincts kicked in.

“My first thought was just to run and don’t stop until I get to safety,” Shaver said.

Shaver’s family knows the impact of gun violence.

Her father, Quanterius Watkins, was found shot to death in 2018 when she was 12 years old.

“I could understand what he was feeling in the moment -- what he was thinking,” she said.

Deputy Superintendent Kelly Withers stressed that every fan is screened using a handheld metal detector before entering the game.

“We are always reviewing and assessing our safety protocols ongoing, with or without incident,” Withers said.

Fans are prohibited from bringing bags into the stadium.

“Our utmost and top priority is to protect our students and our community,” Withers said.

The district plans to discuss what went well and what could be fixed after Friday night’s incident.

West Cabarrus hosted South Iredell.

Statement from the school district:

“During the fourth quarter of Friday’s night football game at West Cabarrus, there was a period of confusion caused among spectators in the bleachers which stemmed from a single incident near the concession stand.

“The game was momentarily halted during the confusion. Law enforcement from the Concord Police Department and game administrators stationed throughout the stadium immediately determined there were no threats on site.

“At no time were there any weapons or weapons-related threats. Once order was restored in the grandstands, the game was resumed to completion. As always, we thank our local law enforcement and school administration for providing a safe environment for our schools and our campus events.”

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