A junior varsity high school football player in Texas will likely be suspended for the rest of season after a mid-game brawl took a turn for the worst. He sent his opponent to the hospital during a disturbing episode that could be classified as assault with a deadly weapon.
The University Interscholastic League has already opened an investigation.
This latest high school football incident took place during a game between La Vernia and A.C. Jones. Local law enforcement may soon get involved if the injured athlete’s parents choose to take legal action.
A fight broke out during the JV game between La Vernia and Beeville Jones.
La Vernia High School is a public high school with a total enrollment of approximately 1,000 students. It is located in La Vernia, Texas, about 30 miles southeast of San Antonio.
A.C. Jones High School is located in Beeville, Texas, more than 85 miles southeast of San Antonio. It also enrolls approximately 1,000 students.
As you already know, high school football in the Lone Star State is more like a religion than a sport. These communities live for Friday Night Lights but Thursdays can be just as intense. Junior Varsity games in Texas often draw crowds that are bigger than most varsity games in other states. They are equally as important.
Unfortunately, those heightened tensions led to a brawl between the Trojans and the Bears last week.
A La Vernia player tackled a Jones player to the ground during a live play even though he did not have the ball. The game continued around them as the two players threw punches back and forth.
And then things took a turn for the worst. Shortly after the referee threw a flag, the La Vernia player ripped the helmet off of the Jones player’s head and threw it back down on top of him.
Nicole Voelkel, the mother of the Jones player, posted a video of the incident to Facebook.
She took him to the ER to get a CT scan and X-rays because he was “hurting pretty bad with bruising.” She also labeled the La Vernia player’s actions as “assault with a deadly weapon.”
Both schools are aware of what happened.
The Beeville Independent School District released the following statement.
“Beeville Independent School District is aware of a video circulating online showing an incident from a recent Junior Varsity football game. We want to reassure our community that the incident is being appropriately addressed by all parties involved and is currently under review.
“Our top priorities remain the safety and well-being of our students. The District is actively monitoring the situation and collaborating with the relevant schools and organizations to ensure it is managed carefully and responsibly.
“The district cannot and will not share any information on the incident, because the students involved are minors and protected by the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA.)
“We thank our community for their continued support and understanding as we remain dedicated to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students.”
Dr. Hensley Cone also released a statement on behalf of the La Vernia Independent School District.
“I was informed about an incident that occurred at the LVISD JV football game in Beeville involving a JV football player from La Vernia ISD.
“The referees and coaches took action during the game. La Vernia ISD reported the incident to UIL. We do not condone unsportsmanlike behavior.
“La Vernia ISD has begun investigating and will provide all appropriate due process and take actions as necessary. UIL Rules and Regulations, LVISD Student Extracurricular Handbook, and the LVISD Student Code of Conduct provide guidance regarding any action to be taken in the situation.”
No further action has been announced.
A Texas high school football investigation is underway.
The University Interscholastic League oversees high school sports in the state of Texas. It teased the possibility of punishment for any of the students who were involved in the brawl.
“The UIL is aware of the incident involving La Vernia and Beeville Jones high school students during a junior varsity football game on Thursday, October 23, and has been in contact with administrators from both school districts. The schools and the local District Executive Committee are investigating the matter and have the authority to impose penalties on any involved students. The UIL will continue to gather information.”
It is unclear as to when a ruling might be announced. It is also unclear as to whether both players will be punished for their role in the brawl.
In the meantime, I would imagine La Vernia will not allow its junior varsity player who used the helmet as a weapon to play another game this season. He may also be charged with assault if Nicole Voelkel and her son decide to pursue legal action. She seemed to be set on retribution.