The players and coaches on the Mascoutah High School football team in Illinois walked onto the field holding hands with police officers…This is the great show of unity with the police we need to see more often!

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“THIS IS WHAT WE ARE”…PATRIOTS!

It’s a story continuing to spark controversy nearly one week later– NFL players taking a knee during the national anthem last Sunday.

The Mascoutah High School football team took a stand in a show of solidarity and patriotism during its homecoming game.

The Mascoutah Indians were handed a loss but found joy as a result of the whole team showing unity. Before the game, each player and member of the coaching staff walked out of the locker room and onto the field with law enforcement.

The team hit the field following the beat of their own drum.

“What it means to me is showing a brotherhood, the friendship and the bond that we have,” said football player Devin Wills.

Two by two, law enforcement officers joined hands with the players and coaching staff, to show the spirit of the small Illinois town.

“You don’t see a lot of small communities, as diverse as we are, with as much to offer. You throw in the military spirit and we get an incredible place. It just gives an opportunity to showcase that,” said Athletic Director Scott Battas.

School leaders and the team discussed, weeks before the Jason Shockley verdict and long before athletes decided to take a knee, how to impact their community during homecoming.

“I think it is vital to strengthening relationships between police and community because you can’t just show up when a crime is being committed,” said Illinois State Trooper Calvin Dye, Jr.

The show of solidarity continued until all stood together during the band’s playing of the national anthem.

Read more: KMOV