Brawl abbreviates Bonanza-Western game; outcome uncertain

A bench-clearing brawl forced the Bonanza-Western game to be stopped midway through the third quarter Friday at Western.

With 8:48 to play in the quarter, a scuffle broke out between opposing players during a point-after kick attempt by Bonanza, which had taken a 20-0 lead. Players from both sidelines rushed the field and the scrum broke off into several individual fights.

After order was restored, the officials called the game in compliance with a Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association rule regarding both benches emptying for a fight.

The game could be recorded as a double-forfeit or a Bonanza victory. A decision isn’t expected until next week.

“It’s out of our hands; the NIAA will have to review the tapes,” an unnamed official said.

Western coach Fernando Carmona said he was “extremely embarrassed” by his players’ actions.

“I’m trying to change the culture of our team here, and tonight we took a huge step backwards,” Carmona said.

The Bengals dominated, getting touchdown runs by Sterling Sprau, Tim Rowe and Dasean Martin. The latter’s 38-yard TD immediately preceded the incident.

Pending the outcome, Bonanza is 3-2 overall, 3-1 in the Southwest League. Western is 1-3, 1-2.