By Donald Heath

Special for the Effingham Herald

SPRINGFIELD – Effingham County High School added a layer of safety for its home football games by installing metal detectors at the gates of Rebel Field.

Despite a rainy Friday night, a big crowd attended the game between Effingham County and Brunswick and, much like proceeding through an airport, the screening at the stadium entrance caused long, slow-moving lines.

Visitors, who often come through a back gate, were also screened.

“We had it in our plans for a while,” Rebels athletic director Jake Darling said. “We want to make sure we have a safe environment for everyone who shows up.”

Darling said the timing to erect the metal detectors had nothing to do with the shooting Sept. 4 at Apalachee High School in Winder that left two teachers and two students dead.

Darling said the Georgia High School Association didn’t play a role in the timing of the metal detectors either.

“It’s unfortunate that happened this week but it does bring that awareness of the need for safety,” Darling said. “It’s in the forefront of the news and it’s in the forefront of everyone’s mind.”

ECHS is on the road this week against Bradwell Institute but will host its biggest crowd of the season when the Rebels play rival South Effingham Sept. 20.

Darling recommended ECHS and SEHS fans get to the stadium early to allow time to be screened and get to their seats before the 7:30 kickoff.