Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
Jefferson County 9/11 Unity Night 2026: 5 high school football games hosting ceremonies tonight
Reading time: 3 minutes
If you are attending a high school football game tonight in Jefferson County, make sure to arrive early for a solemn 9/11 event centered on remembrance, service and unity.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Unity Night at five local high school games tonight to mark the 25th Anniversary of 9/11.
The event, which is hosted by Sheriff Offices across the country, is it’s part of a nationwide push to bring communities closer together.
What to expect at 5 high school Unity Night games in Jefferson County
Before kickoff at each game, which begins around 7PM, first responders, law enforcement officers, firefighters, school leaders, elected officials, student-athletes and community representatives will come together on the field for special 9/11 recognition, a moment of silence and the coin toss.
“The aftermath of September 11 showed us what can happen when people put differences aside and stand together and help one another. That is what we want our young people to see Friday night. There may be two teams on the field, but we are all part of one community. Unity Night is about honoring those we lost, recognizing those who continue to serve and showing what it looks like when neighbors stand together.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway
Here are tonight’s five Unity Night games (home team listed first):
- Jackson Olin vs. Parker
- Fairfield vs. Shades Valley
- Corner vs. Pleasant Grove
- McAdory vs. Bessemer City
- Wenonah vs. Dora
High school football brings communities together
Sheriff Pettway will join first responders and school leaders before the game between arch-rivals McAdory HS and Bessemer City.
At the Fairfield game against Shades Valley, Fairfield Mayor Herman Carnes Jr., Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr., along with Fairfield City Schools Superintendent Dr. Regina Thompson and Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin Jr. will lead the ceremony.
“Friday night football already has a remarkable ability to bring communities together. Having students see leaders and first responders from both sides stand together is a great visual recognition that we are one community.”
Dr. Walter Gonsoulin Jr. — Superintendent, Jefferson County Schools
Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson will lead the ceremony at the Wenonah vs. Dora game.
The Corner community is also taking a moment to honor one of their own community, Sydney Watson, a 2016 Corner High School graduate, who died in the line of duty on June 27, 2026, serving as a wildland firefighter near a fire on the Colorado-Utah border.
Organized by US United, communities will hold 9/11 Friday Night Lights Unity ceremonies at 100+ high school games throughout the U.S.
