A big fight broke out after the Central East High Bengals defeated the Clovis High Cougars in a tight softball game in Fresno.
Video shows the game tied at 6-6 in the eighth inning, when the Bengals, wearing white jerseys, scored and began celebrating their win on the softball field.
Shortly thereafter, two people on the field started pushing each other, igniting the brawl. When players and parents from both teams jumped in to join and/or break up the fight, things got even more chaotic.
ABC 30 News reports that tempers were also flaring amongst the spectators. What was said that started the brawl was not clear.
“The heated rivalry between Central schools and Clovis schools. I mean, growing up playing sports for four years, seeing the same faces at Clovis, you’re destined to want to be better than them,” said former Central East High athlete Zeke Leyva.
The Central Unified School District told ABC 30 News that it was looking into the incident. However, no players were ejected because the brawl happened after the game.
“The district is aware of the incident and takes these matters very seriously,” the school district said in a statement. “The situation was addressed promptly, and appropriate disciplinary measures are being taken in accordance with district policies. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment and continue to hold our students to high standards.”
Central Section CIF Commissioner Ryan Tosm also told ABC 30 News, “They’re all competitive and people make bad choices. Not just students, we’re seeing a lot of adults being ejected recently as well. This time of year, those ejections can lead to missing time in the playoffs.”