The Blue Devils of Lewiston High School and the Red Eddies of Edward Little High School were scheduled to square off in their annual Battle of the Bridge high school football rivalry on Friday.

But the game couldn’t be played. The communities of Lewiston and Auburn in Maine had been in lockdown during a manhunt for Robert Card, who had shot and killed 18 people and injured 13 others in Lewiston two days before.

Card was found dead on Friday afternoon.

The game was rescheduled for Wednesday night.

Before the contest, the teams received a video message from Mac Jones, the former Alabama All-American who is the quarterback of the area’s closest NFL team, the New England Patriots.

“Just wanted to send you guys a quick video and let you know my thoughts and prayers are with everybody,” Jones said. “I understand that the Twin Cities are coming together tonight for the Battle of the Bridge. Hope everyone has a great game, and my thoughts and prayers are with everybody.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former New England All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski also recorded messages.

“Despite heavy hearts, football has always brought communities together,” Kraft said, “and never has that been more important than right now. For all who are attending the game tonight, we applaud you for supporting one another, and for all those playing in the game tonight, you’re already champions. Please know that the New England Patriots are all rooting for you. We love you, and you have our compassion.”

The annual contest matches teams from schools that are about 4 miles apart in communities separated by the Androscoggin River.

Before the game, the names of the 18 victims were read and a moment of silence was held. First-responders and hospital workers came on the field to be cheered by the crowd. And recording star James Taylor performed the national anthem.

Lewiston defeated Edward Little 34-18, and the Blue Devils advanced to the Maine Principals’ Association playoffs.

Jones and the Patriots play the Washington Commanders at noon CST Sunday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.