Brawl breaks out at Casa Grande High School football game: ‘We will learn from this’

CASSA GRANDE, Arizona. – Fighting, chaos and ending a high school football game with empty stands – that’s what happened on a Big house school on Friday, August 30th.

Riots forced police to remove fans from first football match of the season. Director speaks out.

Police documents state that both an officer and a child were caught in the crossfire of a brawl, which forced officers to throw fans out for the safety of everyone involved.

A 34-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy were handcuffed.

The school principal emphasizes that this event should not leave a mark on the community, the high school and its team.

The Casa Grande High Cougars eventually defeated from Tempe Corona Del Sol High School pulled off a stunning upset, but the victory wasn’t sweet.

“There was no partying Friday night,” said Jeff Lavender, principal of Casa Grande Union High School District.

That’s because what happens off the field, he says, is still in the spotlight.

It was a fight that Police According to reports, the reason was personal feuds.

“These were residents of Casa Grande who got involved. Parents of some of our players. This wasn’t about the opposing team, this was about our own fans and the fights between our fans,” Lavender said.

The fumbling in the stands caused a clear domino effect. Police papers record a series of chaotic episodes.

A woman with bloodshot eyes who appeared drunk. Hair pulling. A cop with a busted lip. A one-year-old child who was reportedly punched twice in the face.

“It was almost like playing ping-pong. A situation here became a situation here, and then a situation here,” Lavender said.

Then the Casa Grande police decided that the players could stay and finish the game, but that the fans, for the safety of everyone, had to leave.

The team won 52-44, but played in front of empty seats.

“I was devastated,” Lavender said. He says the incident has prompted reflection.

“We had safety measures in place, but they weren’t enough. What could we have done differently?” he said. “Setting expectations, making sure that parents, our guests, understand that their behavior can impact this football team.”

As they continue, he has this message for the community:

“We’ll learn from this, we’ll get better and come and watch our football team. Let them be the story, not what happened on Friday night,” he said.

Lavender emphasized that the team is filled with great athletes, along with dedicated coaches, and he encourages everyone to come out, support and cheer on the team.

The school will also host a community forum next Tuesday, September 10, to discuss next steps.