BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - Under the Thursday night lights, the Ramsay High School Rams and the A.H. Parker High School Thundering Herd clashed on the gridiron in the third annual Stop the Violence Classic.

The rivalry game, created and led by students, carries a deeper purpose than just football. Its mission is to shine a light on ending violence in Birmingham, a city that has felt the weight of gun violence for far too long.

Organizers say the classic began as a student-driven idea three years ago, and its message has only grown stronger since. Thursday’s matchup also marked the season opener for both schools.

But the night carried a somber tone.

Just last week, Parker assistant coach Demetrice Beverly was shot and killed at an apartment complex along Lakeshore Ridge . His f

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