16-year-old girl charged after running onto field, tackling middle school football player during game, officials say

WINCHESTER, Tenn. (WSMV/Gray News) — A 16-year-old Tennessee girl is facing charges after authorities said she ran onto the field and tackled a middle school football player during a game Tuesday night.

The game between South Middle School and Cornersville Middle School was held at Franklin County High School, where South Middle School plays its home games.

Authorities said South Middle School scored a touchdown and an extra point. A scuffle then broke out between two players at the end of the play.

Investigators said the 16-year-old girl then ran onto the field and tackled the South Middle School player involved in the scuffle.

School resource officers met the teen as she left the field. Game officials cleared the field and ended the game early.

The teen was released to her parents, who were at the game.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office charged the teen with assault and disorderly conduct.

Franklin County Schools banned the girl from all district properties for life. The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association also banned her from attending Cornersville Middle School home and away athletic events for one year.

The principal of South Middle School praised school staff, coaches and resource officers for their response and said the school will add security measures for future games.