Rivalry football game in Pueblo ends after fight; 2 volunteer coaches suspended

PUEBLO, Colo. (KKTV) - A high school football game ended early after a fight at the end of the first half on Friday. On Monday, KKTV 11 News learned several players and two volunteer coaches are facing suspension.

The Pueblo South Colts were playing against the Pueblo East Eagles at Dutch Clark Stadium in a rivalry known as the “Cannon Game.”

With one minute left in the second quarter, players from both teams began fighting on the sideline. It isn’t clear what prompted the brawl. East High School was leading 23-0 at the time of the fight.

Later Friday night, East High posted on Facebook saying they were awarded the Cannon after the game was halted by referees. South had been disqualified because of the sideline incident.

"Per a continuing evaluation of the incident that occurred shortly before halftime of the 2022 Cannon Game, officials with the Colorado High School Activities Association have ruled that while the East Eagles are the victors, no team was disqualified.
The game was halted by officials due to safety concerns for participants and workers.
Additionally, after a review of multiple angles of the incident as captured on film, CHSAA issued a ruling that included disciplinary action/game suspensions for student athletes from both schools. In addition, D60 has suspended two volunteer coaches from South High School, pending further disciplinary action.
The evaluation of the situation is ongoing, and there is a possibility of suspensions from both schools as we continue to monitor the situation.
With the CHSAA officials accurately noting that the incident is a “teaching and learning opportunity,” the District commends those coaches and athletes who acted in a responsible manner, working to de-escalate a situation that evolved from a spirited and intense rivalry contest.
We are confident in the fact that we will move forward from this unfortunate incident as we work to restore the highest level of sportsmanship and mutual respect that honors the tradition our community has celebrated for more than four decades.”
Dalton Sprouse, D-60 Director of Communications