Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties increase security at high school football games after recent fights and robberies.
WASHINGTON — Montgomery County and Prince George’s County have increased security measures at their high school football games after incidents of robberies and fights. MCPS is the latest to send out a statement to parents about different safety measures.
On Friday night on Sept. 19, Montgomery County Police responded to Blake High School for a reported assault. Police quickly dispersed the crowd and no arrests were made.
In a later statement from police, several fights broke out in the parking lot and tennis courts after the game. After security attempted to break up the fights and instruct others to go home, more fights broke out. This caused a police officer to use a pepper ball launcher to cause several de-escalation “air pops” and instructed students to go home.
Then on Wednesday morning, principals of Springbrook, Blake, and Paint Branch high schools released a joint statement condemning the violence that took place.
“We, the principals of our three schools, write to you today regarding the serious and troubling incidents that occurred following the football game between Blake and Springbrook on Friday evening. After the game ended, school security teams were alerted to a potential conflict and began escorting students to their vehicles,” began the email to the parents of those schools, “Despite these proactive efforts, a small fight broke out on the hill leading to the stadium parking lot. While staff worked to break up that altercation, a larger fight began near the gym area involving multiple students from all three schools.”
The letter indicated that public schools in Montgomery County are operating under ‘Tier One protocols’ which means that only the two participating schools are allowed to attend the games. The principals also indicated that they will be reviewing entry processes including checking student IDs.
“We want to be very clear that we strongly condemn the dangerous and disruptive behavior that took place. Fighting, causing injury, and creating unsafe conditions for others will never be tolerated. These actions put students, staff, and families at risk and undermine the safe, supportive environment we strive to maintain at all school events. Disciplinary actions will be taken against any individuals determined to have participated in or instigated these events,” the principals wrote.
Parents and students can review MCPS Fall 2025 Athletics Safety Plan here.
On the same night, around 7 p.m., Prince George’s County police was informed of two robberies at a Wise High School football game. Police responded and discovered two minors with minor injuries that were treated at the scene. One minor was taken into custody. A large crow started to form after the game but police were able to quickly disperse it. No injuries were reported that night.
WUSA9 reached out to PGCPS released a statement that they were working alongside the County Executive’s Office, Prince George’s County Police Department and Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Department to increase security measures and safety at games. The statement also released new changes to ensure safety at the school’s football games including moving all football games to Saturday. Other changes include:
- All football games will have increased police presence on the outside and inside the games. Inside there will be one officer for every 100 people at the game.
- PGCPS will increase signage to advise the public that tickets must be purchased in advance. Individuals without advance tickets will be denied admission. Currently, only students who attend the respective school can attend the games and must bring their student identification.
- There will be additional coordination with the Prince George’s County Police Department prior to each game to outline expectations and steps to effectively collaborate and communicate, ultimately to prevent violence and other disruption.
- PGCPS will release a safety and security Public Service Announcement to be shared in schools and with the community through digital and traditional channels.
D.C. recently announced that parents will have to accompany students to games following two students were stabbed and one was arrested at a football game at Archbishop Carroll High School.
DC Public Schools and DC Charter Schools will be increasing their security following what they call “instances of spectator conflict.” Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that new safety rules that started Sept. 12 and will go through at least Oct. 10.