The South Point community supports the Pointers at a football game after a knife attack

GALLIA COUNTY, OHIO (WSAZ) – The violence that unfolded at South Point Elementary on Thursday sent shockwaves through the community and Principal Bill Christian now has a long road to recovery.

Principal Christian was stabbed during the school day Thursday and a parent is charged with aggravated assault.

Although tragedy struck the district, it didn't stop the South Point Pointers from taking on Gallia Academy on Friday.

Gallia Academy handed out navy and gold ribbons for the band, cheerleaders and football players to wear to show their support for their opponents.

Gallia Academy High School athletic director Adam Clark said they wanted to get behind the Pointers.

“It doesn’t make the game as important as life when a tragedy like that happens,” Clark said.

Pointers student-athletes played in honor of Principal Christian and the elementary school.

South Point head football coach Chris Davis said he has known Bill for years.

“Oh, he's a wonderful person. He would do anything for the children at school. He’s great in the community and does anything for everyone,” Davis said.

Coach Davis said, “We want to dedicate this game to Bill, so we're going to go out here and do the best we can for him.”

The community wishes him all the best for the future.

“Now I know he's not out of the hospital yet, and he's not out of the woods yet, but you know, there's nothing but positives coming out of the hospital at the moment. “It gives us a little bit of confidence that everything is going to be okay,” Davis said.

The Blue Devils may have won the football game tonight, but they continue to stand behind the Pointers community.

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