SPRINGFIELD — Everyone at the Northwestern vs. Greenon high school football game knew it was going to be emotional because it was played three days after a district student died in a Clark County bus crash on a road in German Twp.
>>PHOTOS: Stadium filled to cheer Northwestern following deadly school bus crash
That Friday’s game opened the home season for the Warriors was put on the back burner in favor of a moment of silence and prayers for 11-year-old Aiden Clark, the district student who died in the bus collision with a minivan on Aug. 22.
“When you’re a bus driver, you love these kids as your own. And it takes a toll on you when you lose one of them,” Karen Amos, a bus driver for Greenon Local Schools, told News Center 7 Reporter Kayla McDermott.
The stands at Taylor Stadium were full of people wearing Northwestern’s red, white and blue.
Greenon’s helmets included Northwestern High stickers.
>> RELATED: Northwestern Local Schools closing for Aiden Clark’s funeral
The knights of Enon wore Northwestern’s colors.
“It’s the least we can do to show our support for them, the tragedy that they’ve been through,” said Darrin Knapke, Greenon Local Schools superintendent.
Everyone agreed the emotions running through the stadium made this experience about far more than the usual Friday Night Lights experience. There was some of that, as fans and students from both schools cheered loudly after the moment of silence and prayers.
The tears returned at the half as the Warrior band played a rendition of “See You Again.”
“It makes me very sad because I lost a son. So I really feel bad for the family,” said Paul Pierce, of New Carlisle.
Superintendent Jesse Steiner, Northwestern Local School District, said the band’s selection was “very heart-wrenching but at the same time, these are the things we need to do to heal. We definitely feel the love from all the surrounding communities.”
>> RELATED: DeWine announces bus safety task force in wake of deadly Clark County crash
Tonight’s game was the last time everyone will be together in a show of “Northwestern Strong” unity before Sunday’s visitation for Aiden and his funeral on Monday when classes have been canceled for the day so students, teachers, and staff can attend.
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