Ohio’s Athletic Association Suspends 1/3 of Each Team Following a Bench-Clearing Fight During a High School Football Game

Bench-clearing brawls are the staple of any high-intensity rivalry. However, that doesn’t mean that the consequences of getting into a fight are any less severe. Regardless of how common brawling gets on the football field, everyone in the system is vehemently opposed to such scattered rage and aggression spilling onto the pitch.

Still, every time one of these brawls occurs, all hell breaks loose as players, staff, and even coaches may get involved. This is twice as likely during high school games. On Wednesday, Trotwood-Madison and Cincinnati Withrow played a very intense game of football. However, a fight broke out in the third quarter. The fight emptied the bench and got both teams and their staff in big trouble with the authorities.

Game Altering Suspensions Over Bench-Clearing Fight

The Ohio High School Athletic Authorities handed out suspensions to several players from Trotwood-Madison and Cincinnati Withrow teams in Withrow during the third quarter. The game was stopped and abandoned. However, the officials did declare Withrow to be the winner. While Withrow’s record stands at 4-21 after the game, Trotwood-Madison’s record fell to 3-2.

Authorities mostly handed out just one-game suspensions. They resorted to this measure to penalize the players of both teams for leaving the bench and coming onto the field. Those suspensions will be staggered to allow the teams to complete their regular season games, the OHSAA said. One official even said that the total number of suspensions amounted to approximately a third of the players on each team. Three players received a two-game suspension for fighting. Two of those hailed from Trotwood.

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Trotwood’s Athletic Director Jonas Smith said he met his school’s team along with the coach. In an attempt to inspire his players during that conversation, Smith said, “I told the young men we preach sportsmanship, and we can’t react to situations like this. I really believe they heard us and see the big picture.”

Intense Football Rivalry and Future Implications

The teams were bound to be at each other’s throats from the get-go, considering their history in the lead-up to the match. Trotwood was visiting Cincinnati to face a team that had had their number for the past few seasons. Last year, Withrow defeated Trotwood 28-18 in a game that involved some heavy turnover. The year before, Trotwood also faced defeat, with a 25-0 loss to Withrow.

Further investigation might lead to further penalties and consequences. However, as things stand, both teams are going to have some trouble putting together their subsequent teams. It will be interesting to see how the two sides will line up for their opponents next. Meanwhile, the Rams, who stand in eighth place in the Division III state poll this week, host Belmont on Friday night.

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