“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the Friday evening shooting in Pleasantville, where a scholastic football game was being played between Pleasantville High School and Camden High School.  We are extremely appreciative of law enforcement officers, school administrators and educators, and members of both communities for their support during and in the aftermath of this incident.

“After discussions with administrators and coaches from both schools, as well as with law enforcement officials, the decision has been made to complete the game on Wednesday, November 20, at a neutral site that will be closed to the public. Utilizing a neutral, closed site will enable student-athletes to conclude their game without outside distraction.

“To be clear, the decision to complete the approximately 17 minutes remaining in this game was made by both schools. It was based not on any desire for an athletic championship, but to provide closure and send a powerful message that acts of violence and those who perpetrate them will not win. The outcome of this game will be decided where it should be – on the playing field.

“I’m humbled by the courage of our student-athletes; no matter what the scoreboard says, they all are winners. Echoing comments made by Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner, ‘Our community will not be held hostage.’”

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