Both Drew Central and England high schools will be short-handed in their upcoming football games after a brawl erupted during their contest last week, leading to an early end to the matchup.
The Arkansas Activities Association has confirmed that Drew Central will be without four players for its game against Helena-West Helena, while England will see 14 players suspended for its face-off with Mayflower.
The incident occurred on September 5 during Drew Central’s game against England. Prior to the brawl, tensions ran high on the field, with multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and early ejections in the first quarter. The altercation escalated on the sidelines near the England cheerleaders, who were at risk of being caught in the melee.
England Superintendent Dr. Judy Hubbell decided to end the game early due to mounting safety concerns.
In a statement, she said, “I take full responsibility for the decision to terminate play earlier this evening. The safety of our students is, and always will be, my top priority. Their safety takes precedence over athletics, classwork, and extracurricular activities.”
As the fight broke out, parents quickly escorted cheerleaders off the field, injured players were moved to safety, and the school band was directed to return to its bus to avoid further confrontation. Dr. Hubbell also announced plans to meet with coaches and review game footage as part of an internal investigation.
“I am a mother and a grandmother,” Hubbell added. “When I saw our cheerleaders in immediate danger, I reacted as I would want a superintendent to respond if my child or grandchild were in a dangerous situation at a ballgame.”
As of Wednesday morning, officials from Drew Central had not released a public statement regarding the incident.
