High School Has First Football Game Since Viral Video Beating

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Frederick Douglass High School has its first football game since the video of a brutal beating in its cafeteria went viral.

Amy Yensi reports for WJZ.

After-school activities, including football games, at Frederick Douglass High School had been canceled since the brutal beating. Students tell us they're hoping to put it behind them.

Fir the first time since making headlines, the football team hits the field without two of its players.

They're seen in this cell phone video of last week's beating.

"It was one of the saddest things I've seen and one of the most horrible things I've seen," said one student, Laquanta Atkins.

Sean Johnson, 17, was charged for attempted murder for repeatedly punching and stomping on 16-yeaer-old Darrien McDowell, as other classmates looked on and recorded.

McDowell was severely injured and is now recovering at home.

Antonio Wilkins, a student at the school said, "There were students right there who were seeing it. Who were right there and could've broken it up."

City School's CEO, Gregory Thorton, says he's stepping up security at school events following the attack.

"There will be increased security," Thorton said. "The young folks that have been involved, disciplinary action has been applied."

Officials say the brawl is a teachable moment not only for the two teenagers involved, but for young people across the city.

"Find a way to get along. Find a way to be kind to each other," he said.

Students heading to the game against Edmonson High School say suspending football is a bad idea.

"Alright, they stop playing football, what are they going to do? Hit the streets. Fight again," Thorton said.

Johnson is still being held without bail, and his court hearing is set for September 30.