Hillcrest Homecoming Game Sets Stage for Unity and 9/11 Remembrance

Friday night football will bring the Hillcrest High School community together for more than a homecoming celebration when the Knights face visiting Shelley HS Russets, the Shelley Russets, on Sept. 11, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Hillcrest Knights Stadium in Ammon, with a special US United Friday Night Lights ceremony beginning on the field at 6:40 p.m.

The pregame ceremony will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Local first responders, players and coaches from both teams will gather to honor the victims, their families and all those affected by the attacks. Spectators will see public safety personnel and community members stand together for a moment of reflection and silence before the excitement of the homecoming game begins.

The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office will participate alongside Idaho Falls Police, Ucon Police, Idaho State Police, Idaho Falls Fire, Bonneville County Fire and Ammon Fire. Hillcrest Knights and Shelley Russet players, coaches and students will also take part, joined by community members and fans of Hillcrest and Shelley Football. Their shared presence will demonstrate the strength that comes from remembering together and standing together.

That spirit is at the heart of the US United Unity Seats program, which purchases tickets and seats law enforcement leaders beside community members who may hold opposing viewpoints. The football game provides common ground where participants can talk, listen and experience Friday night as neighbors rather than adversaries. At a rivalry game filled with school pride, those connections can extend beyond the grandstands and help build stronger relationships throughout the community.

Fans can also participate in US United’s “passing the purple” social media campaign by sharing gestures of unity from the stands and tagging @us_united_org. The Hillcrest observance is one of nearly 100 similar high school football events planned across the country, connecting a local homecoming tradition with a nationwide message of remembrance, respect and unity.