MIDDLEBURG, Fla. -- A criminal investigation continues in Leon County following a Friday night fight on a high school football field. Middleburg High School traveled to Tallahasee over the weekend to take on for the first time ever, the team that has won more games than any other football team in the state, Leon High School.
School leaders tell Action News the game was clean, and Leon took the win 17 to 14, but it wasn't the score that will be remembered.
During the congratulatory handshake a brawl erupted on the field that is rumored to have included players, coaches, trainers, other students, and even parents.
"I have zero tolerance for acts of violence and it was certainly a violent event," said Leon Principal Rocky Hanna. While he attended the game, he didn't see what happened, and told Action News he was anxious to review video footage from the game.
Leon County Sheriff's Office detectives continued to review the footage Monday, working to identify everyone involved.
"Our school resource deputies are now going over rosters and reviewing video to see who did exactly what," said Lt. James McQuaig. "We're having some success because of players wearing big fat numbers on their shirts, but there's a good portion of people who became involved that are obviously staff, or faculty, or coaches, or trainers and things of that nature that are not as easily identifiable."
Middleburg principal John O'Brien did not travel to the game, and said seeing the video is crucial to important decisions that could affect the rest of the season.
"Our next game is Friday, and I want to make sure I see that video and know who exactly did what before the next game."
Middleburg Assistant Coach Daniel Pearce suffered a laceration to his head that was treated with two staples. It is not clear his role in the argument, if any, which furtherd Clay County school officials desire to see the video as soon as possible, as practice continued Monday afternoon.
Both principal's told Action News they are working together, and maintain a zero tolerance for violence of any kind. They plan to consult with the Florida High School Athletic Association for their recommendations before taking final action at their schools.
"Until we can get the tape and dissect it, and then get a copy to the FHSAA, we're kind of on hold right now," said Hanna.
Once he does, Hanna says there will be some punishment for anyone involved, either through the school or law enforcement.
"I've never, ever had anything like this happen - ever, so this in unchartered territory for us. Whichever of our kids are involved, and heaven forbid adults, the punishment will be severe."
Middleburg's next game is this Friday against Menendez in St. Augustine.
Leon High School does not face an opponent this week, but will take on Oakleaf and Orange Park High Schools in October.
