Kountze fans show solidarity at game

Charlie Henson, 89, right, his friend Jack Sammons, left, and Mitzi Toups, middle, show their support for the cheerleaders. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started and since the Thursday hearing that determined the cheerleaders could or could not use their faith-based signs. Dave Ryan/The Enterprise less Charlie Henson, 89, right, his friend Jack Sammons, left, and Mitzi Toups, middle, show their support for the cheerleaders. This was the first home football game in Kountze since the sign controversy started ... more Photo: Dave Ryan Photo: Dave Ryan Image 1 of / 44 Caption Close Kountze fans show solidarity at game 1 / 44 Back to Gallery

If the solidarity shown at Friday night's Kountze football game is representative of the town, then the community is more united than ever over controversy regarding the fight for the cheerleaders' religious signs.

"I haven't been to a game in 10 years, but I came out tonight to support the cheerleaders," said 54-year-old Cindy Reed. "The support for them has been awesome and has really changed the town, pulling everyone together."

But within the sea of red shirts with Scripture verses on them - much like the signs held by the cheerleaders and many fans in the packed out stands - was a small group of people who have also banned together on the other side of this fight.

Lindsey Brackin. a 2005 Kountze High School graduate, was among five people who went to the game to hold their own signs, ones that said they supported the cheerleaders, but not their religious banners.

Brackin, who now lives in nearby Spurger, had another sign that read, "Preach in church. Teach in school."

Read the full story in Saturday's Beaumont Enterprise.

ARMoore@BeaumontEnterprise.com Twitter.com/amyrmoore