Watch CBS News

Football Game Forfeited After Players Join Bleachers Brawl

DESERT HOT SPRINGS (AP) — A Southern California high school football team forfeited its final home game of the season after players joined a brawl in the bleachers.

The Desert Sun reports that Desert Hot Springs High School forfeited to Coachella Valley after fights broke out Friday night.

Principal George Bullis decided to forfeit the game after players left the field to join the melee.

One of those players was receiver Joziaha Winfrey.

Winfrey's mother, Liz Ward, says he jumped into the fray when he saw another adult swinging at his father.

Ward says Winfrey feels he made a bad choice. But she thinks any kid would try to help their father in that situation.

The forfeit before opening kickoff ended what was supposed to the seniors' final home game. The team is winless.

(© Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.