Labor Day was business as usual for Dutch Fork High football players. 
While fellow students enjoyed a day off, the 2-time defending Class 5A champions were back at practice.
They face their first road game of the season against Boiling Springs Friday.
It’s in a rematch of the 2016 title game Dutch Fork won 28-21. 
The quiet, workmanlike scene at the stadium was in contrast to 3 nights earlier. 
As Dutch Fork dominated Irmo 58-0, a verbal disruption in the home stands based on a gun rumor triggered panic among those spectators and cheerleaders.
A mad dash from the bleacher section caught on Twitter video ensued.
People quickly fled. 
Richland County deputies helped evacuate the stadium.
Reports stated no gun was found, no shots fired and no arrests were made.
Dutch Fork head coach Tom Knotts’ initial reaction was “sheer anger” at the thought someone would bring a gun to the stadium. 
He was concerned for students who were fleeing en masse and made sure his players were accounted for. 
Knotts insisted he was not worried given what he’s experienced in the past.
“I didn’t hear a shot. I’ve been through that kind of thing before,” he said.
“We had it back in Charlotte back in the 90s quite often. When there’s a shot you hear it. I mean, guns are loud. And as I passed adults going up into the stands, the adults said they didn’t hear anything. They’re just overreacting. 
“There was sheer panic among the young people. I think the adults took it better.”
Both Knotts and Irmo Coach Reggie Kennedy acknowledge the biggest worry among adults was keeping track of their children during the incident. 
In addition to reviewing security plans and procedures for future home games, Kennedy said he planned to conduct drills among his players to ensure no one is unaccounted for. 
Over the weekend, Lexington/Richland District 5 released a statement on security at football games.
“Safety is a top priority for School District 5,” a statement from district spokesperson Katrina Goggins read. 
“We will continue to coordinate our efforts with local law enforcement as this incident remains under investigation. School District 5 will further review all safety measures regarding athletic events during the coming week.” 
Like Dutch Fork, Irmo is on the road this week against Brookland-Cayce. 
“It’s bad when you can’t go to a football game now and feel safe on a school campus,” Kennedy said. 
“It’s real sad. That’s what it comes to. But we’ll try to show our parents that we’ll do our best to ensure they’re in a safe environment.”