Fight Overshadows Game as Central High Defeats Justin Garza 40-0
In a surprising turn of events in Fresno, California, a high school football game between Central High School and Justin Garza was called off early after a brawl erupted on the field. The incident occurred during a Week 0 matchup in which Central was leading decisively by a score of 40-0.
The altercation began when two players got tangled up after a punt, escalating quickly into punches being thrown. Video footage captured the moment when a Central player’s helmet was knocked off at midfield, while the ball had been downed about 40 yards downfield. As tensions boiled over, players continued to exchange blows near the Central sideline, prompting both teams’ coaching staffs to rush onto the field to restore order.
Within minutes, players and coaches from both sidelines congregated near the scuffle, with more than a minute passing before officials managed to regain control of the situation. According to reports, a Justin Garza player was accused of ripping off a helmet from a Central player and using it as an improvised weapon during the fight. While the identities of the players involved remain unclear, multiple angles of the incident revealed players throwing punches.
In the aftermath, officials gathered at midfield to discuss the incident, and following their deliberation, both teams were sent back to their locker rooms. As a result, the game was officially called, awarding Central the victory. It remains uncertain if there will be any disciplinary actions taken against the players involved in the brawl.
The chaotic conclusion marks a disappointing start to the season for both teams. Justin Garza is scheduled to play against Bakersfield this Friday in Week 1, while Central will host East Anchorage from Alaska. Central had entered the season as the top team in the CIF Central Section Fab 15 preseason rankings and ranked No. 24 overall in the SBLive Power 25 statewide rankings.
Last season, Central finished with a 10-4 record, led by standout sophomore quarterback Jelani Dippel, along with junior running back Brandon Smith and senior wideout Daylon Scott. Central’s head coach, Kyle Biggs, expressed optimism about the team’s potential, stating, “We have a ton of talent and youth, so if we learn fast, we’re going to be good.”
