Hattiesburg, George County high school football fight brings punishment from MHSAA
Hattiesburg and George County's football teams have both received punishments following last week's postgame fight.
The two schools were given fines and put on disciplinary probation, MHSAA executive director Rickey Neaves confirmed to The Hattiesburg American.
The fight occurred in the postgame handshake line following Hattiesburg's 34-28 overtime win at George County. It's unknown what caused the altercation. No injuries were reported.
“I don’t really know what happened,” Hattiesburg coach Tony Vance said Friday night. “Definitely unfortunate that it happened. It’s inexcusable for us and them. That shouldn’t have happened.”
Neaves would not say how much each school was fined. There were no suspensions due to the lack of clarity on who specifically was involved, Neaves said.
The MHSAA has two different types of probation it can hand out: disciplinary or restrictive. Disciplinary, which was given to both schools, can turn into a restrictive probation if another violation is made. Restrictive probation would result in the violating team being ineligible to participate in the playoffs.
George County coach James Ray left a comment Wednesday saying, "Just that it is unfortunate that it happened. That our security plan was in place and worked to get it under control in a timely matter."
Vance could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
George County (4-2) hosts Long Beach this week while Hattiesburg (4-2) is on a bye.
Sam Sklar is the Southern Miss beat reporter for the Hattiesburg American. Email him at ssklar@hattiesb.gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
This article originally appeared on Hattiesburg American: Hattiesburg, George County football fight: MHSAA punishes both schools
