Newton and Jasper will not play football this year due to Apr 23rd mass shooting

KJAS News learned on Thursday that Jasper and Newton will not play each other in football this year. Jasper Head Coach Kendrick Crumedy and Newton ISD Superintendent Michelle Barrow say it’s because of the Sunday, April 23rd mass shooting in which several Newton teenagers are accused of being involved in the shooting that injured eleven Jasper teenagers. Crumedy and Barrow say it was a mutual agreement between the leadership of both school districts. A statement released by Barrow said “The safety of our students and communities is a priority. Last year the game security and handling the crowd was challenging. Due to recent events, it is in the best interest of all not to have the game.” Last year, Jasper played a non-district game at Newton before a standing-room-only crowd in Singletary Stadium. Newton won that game, 20-6. This year, Newton was slated to play a non-district game at Jasper on Friday, September 8th. Now, coaches at both schools are searching for an opponent to fill the hole in their schedules.