PHOENIX, AZ (August 30, 2013) – Volunteers with the Maricopa County Attorney’s office will kick off the third season of “Friday Night Football Patrol” at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale this evening, where the Mountain Ridge Lions will take on the Cesar Chavez Champions. Prior to the 7:00 p.m. kickoff, Patrol volunteers will encourage teens to sign a pledge to maintain an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle and not abuse prescription medications. Students who sign the pledge will be eligible to win a $500 gift card, courtesy of this year’s prize sponsor the Phoenix Army Recruiting Battalion. Tonight’s matchup is one of ten local high school football games the Friday Night Football Patrol will visit this season.

“This program has been enormously effective in reaching teens and getting them commit to making the right choice when it comes to illegal drugs, alcohol and prescription drug abuse,” said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “We look forward to building on the established success of the program by joining forces with U.S. Army and taking the Patrol to a new set of high school football games this season,” he added.

"The Phoenix Army Recruiting Battalion is excited about the opportunity to team up with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office and 104.7 KISS FM for the Friday Night Football Patrol," said Lt. Col. Jennifer McAfee, commander of the Phoenix Army Recruiting Battalion. "The Army strongly supports this program in its efforts to help students make the right decision about drugs and understand the damaging ramifications it can have on their future."

Created in partnership with radio station 104.7 KISS FM, Friday Night Football Patrol has encouraged thousands of students to “take the pledge” against teen substance abuse. 104.7 KISS FM promotes the program at each game with an on-site Deejay, music and live radio call-ins. Information on helping kids avoid substance abuse is also provided to parents attending the games.

For more information on the Friday Night Football Patrol and the full season schedule, visit www.SafeTeensAZ.org.

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