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First nighttime football game held in Norfolk since teen was shot and killed

Posted at 11:44 PM, Nov 09, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-09 23:44:33-05

As Lake Taylor burst onto the field, the question wasn't whether the Titans or their opponents were ready, but if the community was.

It's the first night game in Norfolk in six weeks.

After games were moved to Saturday afternoons in response to 19-year-old Lake Taylor student David White being shot and killed leaving a game at Booker T. Washington High School in late September.

Related: 

Norfolk Public Schools announced changes to football game times after shooting incident

15-year-old charged in death of Norfolk teen, football game times now changed

"We regret it, that what happened, we're just trying to look forward to the game," said Emmanuel Cuffee, a student at Lake Taylor.

Cuffee was in White's science class. He says the Titans' first playoff game felt like the right time to play at night again.

Norfolk Police beefed up their forces.

Guarding the walk way in front of the stands and watching over fans as they made their way to the stadium.

Norfolk City schools moved all games to Saturday citing safety reasons.
so what's different now?

"I think it's a better move because this is what this area is built on, high school football," said Lake Taylor fan George Johnson.

Football is different at night, every play seems more dramatic.

In the crisp November air, the panting players' breath can be seen and their helmets reflect the shine of the lights.

Even though things seem to be back to normal, it doesn't mean the memory of one of Lake Taylor's own has been dimmed by the lights.