Story perspectives

Teen Arrested After Tackle at Middle-School Football Game

8/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 16-year-old girl tackled a middle-school football player Tuesday night at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee.
Police arrested her, charged assault and disorderly conduct, and released her to her parents.
She received a lifetime ban from the district and a one-year ban from Cornersville games.
Referees stopped the game, cleared the stadium, and awarded South a 35-0 win in third quarter.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), which writes rules for U.S. high-school sports from Indianapolis, adopted a Sportsmanship Code after assaults in Tennessee schools. The code’s suspension and fine penalties lowered reported incidents by about 30 % by 1978. The Franklin County High School tackle and district ban has led Tennessee officials and Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association to reexamine enforcement.

1 of 2

Story summary

A 16-year-old girl tackled a middle-school football player Tuesday night at Franklin County High School in Winchester, Tennessee.
Police arrested her, charged assault and disorderly conduct, and released her to her parents.
She received a lifetime ban from the district and a one-year ban from Cornersville games.
Referees stopped the game, cleared the stadium, and awarded South a 35-0 win in third quarter.

1 / 2