Rick Bray resigned from his position as Colton High School’s head football coach on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011 following his departure during halftime of the game against Torrey Pines the previous night.

According to a report by the San Bernardino Sun, Bray’s resignation followed the school administration’s removal of assistant coach B.J. Bray from the sidelines during the second quarter.

The Sun also reported assistant coach Rick Jr. explained the dismissal of his brother as a disciplinary action in consequence for his outburst at the May 5 school board meeting in which he offered an outward defense of his father in response to the family of former Colton running back Tyler Ervin’s criticism of Bray.

Coach Bray declined to comment on the situation when approached by the Pepper Bough, directing reporters to the current coaching staff.

Bray left the football field during halftime, leaving his son Rick Bray, Jr., to coach the team through the remainder of the game. Bray’s official resignation was followed by the resignations of both Rick Jr. and B.J. from the coaching staff, according to the Sun’s report.

Coming off the 2010 CIF-SS Central Division championship, and after earning the title of 2010 All-Sun Coach of the Year, Bray’s acquisition of the position of head coach for a second year was a battle to attain, so his resignation came as a surprise to some.

Colton High School Athletic Director and former head coach Harold Strauss denied having any insight to the situation, simply saying it’s a personal issue. Strauss did however comment on the event, stating, “The situation is very unfortunate, but the coach did a great job, and we’re very sorry to lose him. But all we can do is move forward and put the kids ahead.”

Colton campus supervisor and assistant coach Chris Ma’ilo will assume the position of head coach for the remainder of the season. Ma’ilo has been on the coaching staff at Colton in past years, and began this season as the defensive coordinator. “We’re going to take it one week at a time,” Ma’ilo said of the team’s fate . Senior and captain Kenny Shaw keeps high hopes for the season. “Coach Ma’ilo has us disciplined, Coach Ryan has us inspired, and all the assistant coaches have us learning,” said Shaw of the adjusted coaching staff.