Encinal is forfeiting the 60th annual Island Bowl against cross-town rival Alameda that was schedule for this Friday night, said Susan Davis, the senior manager of community affairs for the Alameda school district.
The action taken jointly by Alameda High and the district is a result of the benches' clearing brawl at the Encinal vs. Center of Antelope game last Friday night at Encinal.
All but one of Encinal's players on the bench were ejected after storming the field and five players were ejected for fighting.
"There are two reasons (for the forfeit to Alameda)," Davis said. "No one at the school or district condones the behavior displayed. Another reason is so many players were ejected that the team cannot field a team on Friday night. Encinal High and the district value good sportsmanship and that's why these sanctions have taken place."
The game was suspended after three quarters with Center leading 14-13. It's listed on MaxPreps as a win for Center and a loss for Encinal -- though that may be unofficial.
Here is what occurred, according to Dennis DiFabio, the East Bay Officials' Assocation assigner of officials, who has read the officials' report.
"It was the last play of the third quarter and it was a punt," DiFabio said. "The two players involved in the tackle got excited after the tackle and then others joined in and the benches cleared (players left the sideline boxes, a violation of rules)."
An independent source contacted by Prep2Prep who was at the game gave a similar account, but has requested anonymity.
Every Encinal player on the bench except one left the sideline and were subsequently ejected, DiFabio said. He also said five Jet players were fighting and were ejected as well (ejected players have to sit out a game, according to CIF rules).
The report was slightly unclear regarding Center. DiFabio said all of the Center players left the sideline and were ejected. An unknown number of Center players who were on the field also were ejected for participating in the fracas. All of those players will not be eligible to play in Center's next game, against Placer on October 10, according to CIF rules.
DiFabio said he spoke to an observer who said it was the "ugliest thing in a long time" he had seen on a high school football field. It's far from the only incident of its kind over the years in either Northern or Southern California, though. They do happen, however infrequently.
Encinal coach Ricky Rodriguez has not been available for comment today.
North Coast Section commissioner Gil Lemmon said by phone this afternoon it was up to the schools to take action, though he would advise them if asked. Apparently he was not needed.
