The 2025 football season officially kicks off tonight for several Seminole County Schools, and one of them says to expect a beefed-up security presence to ensure crowd safety.

In what’s commonly referred to as “zero week,” Wewoka will host Konawa tonight at 7 p.m. and the Sasakwa Vikings will face the Strother Yellowjackets at home. Zero week refers to the week before most teams get their seasons underway.

Wewoka Public Schools on Thursday released a set of guidelines for sporting events, which say extra security will be on hand at tonight’s game, citing recent incidents at sporting events across the country. Two years ago, a shooting occurred during a Choctaw football game, resulting in one death and three injuries.

The district’s guidelines appear below.

Considering recent incidents at schools across Oklahoma, we are implementing new security procedures for all games and extra-curricular events hosted at Wewoka Public Schools.

Increased security presence: There will be more security personnel present to ensure safety.

Mandatory screening: All attendees must pass through mandatory screening. We will utilize wands and metal detectors at the entrances.

Middle school and Elementary School students must have a parent/guardian or chaperone present at the event for the duration of the game.

No Re-Entry: There will be no re-entry upon leaving the gate or entry after half-time.

Student conduct: Students are to remain seated in the stands with their parents, guardians or chaperones.

Students are not to be on the guest side, on the softball field, baseball field, walking trail or track.

Students are not to be playing tag, running about, or playing with any balls or other items.

No Loitering. Clear bag policy

• Clear Bag per person: Only clear small to medium size bags or one gallon size Ziplock bag will be permitted inside the facility. Diaper Bags will be allowed but they will be searched.

• Bags for approved medical equipment are permitted

• No Backpacks or Large Bags will be allowed inside the facility.

Prohibited items Explosives, Firearms, Weapons, alcohol, drugs, laser pointers, coolers, and outside food and drinks are not allowed.

• Absolutely no balls of any kind are to be brought to the game/field No electronic noise makers of any kind are allowed and will be confiscated by WPS or WPD personnel.

See something, say something: Spectators are encouraged to speak out if they see or hear anything suspicious.

Parking: Fans will be asked to park in the WT Parking Space Across from the Football Field on 14th Street until it reaches capacity.

Handicap parking: A handicap sticker or placard must be displayed before entrance to handicap parking will be allowed.

The Seminole Chieftains will host a scrimmage at home tonight at 7, and will officially open the season with a home game against Checotah next Friday, Sept. 5.

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