Oxnard, CA—With 5:34 left on the clock during the third quarter of Friday night’s game between Colton and Hueneme High, the game was unexpectedly ended after a fight broke out involving players from both teams and a coach from Hueneme High School.
The incident was sparked midway through the third when, after a Colton punt, kick protector Mateo Barboza was taken off his feet in a head-first tackle by a Hueneme player. The Hueneme player stayed behind to taunt, leading to players from both teams storming the field.
Witnesses on the scene allege that a coach from the Hueneme team placed one Colton student-athlete in a chokehold and assaulted him. The student was rushed to the hospital after the altercation. He was released to parents and returned home.
“Last night’s events were unfortunate, but completely preventable if the referees do a better job of managing that game,” said Colton head coach Ray Rodriguez. “I’m proud of our boys for not allowing it to get completely out of hand.”
Rodriguez approached officials to end the game because he didn’t believe they were capable of managing a safe game for the athletes.
Officiating was of main concern for players and coaches after the game, citing moments during the game in which late hits and excessive celebration from Hueneme’s team went unpenalized.
The conduct by the Hueneme coach is currently under investigation.
Going into this game, the Yellowjackets knew once the whistle blew, it wasn’t going to be an easy game. Hueneme came into the game 1-0 after defeating California Military Institute 38-7 on Aug. 23.
Starting the game, Colton came out flat and made some bad plays, which led the Vikings to score two touchdowns in the first quarter.
The team found their spark again when, during the second quarter, Damian Sanchez scored what would wind up being the only touchdown of the night for the Yellowjackets.
The Colton offense was never able to get going, with untimely penalties stopping the run game, forcing Regalado to focus on the passing attack.
Even though the Yellowjackets’ game had an abrupt end, they kept a positive attitude on their ride home and started planning for next week’s matchup against Arrowhead Christian.
Next week’s game will be at home against the 0-1 Arrowhead Christian Eagles. Game time is 7 p.m.
Skyline League Notes
Fontana def. Indian Springs 30-0
Fontana improves to 2-0 with their second consecutive shutout of the season, blowing out Indian Springs (0-2) 30-0. No stats were shared for this game.
Bloomington def. Corona 42-40
The Bruins evened their record to 1-1 by defeating the Corona Panthers 42-40 in a huge road victory. No stats were shared for this game.
Granite Hills def. Carter 39-22
Carter High’s record went to 1-1 with a loss to Granite Hills on Friday. No stats were shared for this game.
Norte Vista def. Arroyo Valley 38-14
Arroyo Valley opened their season at home with a 38-14 loss to the Norte Vista Braves. No stats were shared for this game.
Western Christian def. Notre Dame 47-6
Notre Dame’s struggles continue as they lose big to Western Christian, putting them in last place with an 0-2 record to start the season. No stats were shared for this game.
