Students, parents try to heal through football a week after Marysville-Pilchuck school shooting

MARYSVILLE -- Marysville-Pilchuck High School kicked off Friday night’s football game to the cheers of hundreds of people. The students came wearing all black after last week’s cafeteria shooting that left three victims and the shooter dead.

“Everyone is hugging and it’s really nice,” parent Tony Hatch said.

Students from Meadowdale High and beyond came with kind words and gestures.

“We are actually about to give the crowd roses to show our support,” said a Lynnwood student.

“The whole country is out there for you; just keep your heads up stay strong,” said another student from Meadowdale High.

But the pain is still fresh. Just hours before kick-off, students learned that Shaylee Chuckulnaskit died of her injuries. The 14-year-old is the fourth student to die since the shooting.

Despite the mourning, the game had to go on.

“They had a lot of talks about we are going to play for the kids who are injured,” Hatch said.

Head football coach Brandon Carson says his players were looking forward to this game.

“It gives them something to look forward to for a couple of hours a day to distract their attention to what they are feeling,” said Carson.

The shooter, Jaylen Fryberg, was a freshmen football player but the focus was on the victims.

“Our deep love and support goes to the families,” parent Deborah Parker said.

They are struggling to get back to normal, something that may not be possible. But at least they have each other.

“No one is alone in this,” said Marysville Pilchuck student Corinne Tubbs.

Marysville-Pilchuck defeated Meadowdale High 55-34.