Drew Central/England Players Suspended Following Friday Night Brawl

Both Drew Central and England high schools will take the field Friday night with several players sidelined after a brawl erupted during their football game last week, forcing officials to call the contest early.

According to the Arkansas Activities Association, Drew Central will be without four players in its matchup against Helena-West Helena. England will have 14 players suspended when it faces Mayflower.

The fight broke out on September 5 during Drew Central’s game at England. Tensions had already been high, with multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and early ejections in the first quarter. The altercation escalated on the sidelines near the England cheerleaders, who were at risk of being trampled.

England Superintendent Dr. Judy Hubbell said she made the call to end the game after safety concerns mounted.

“I take full responsibility for the decision to terminate play earlier this evening,” Hubbell said in a statement. “The safety of our students is, and always will be, my top priority. Their safety takes precedence over athletics, classwork, and extracurricular activities.”

As the fight unfolded, cheerleaders were quickly escorted off the field by parents. Injured players were moved to safety, and the band was told to return to its bus to avoid further confrontation.

Hubbell said she plans to meet with coaches and review game footage as part of an internal investigation.

“I am a mother and a grandmother,” she added. “When I saw our cheerleaders in immediate danger, I reacted as I would want a superintendent to respond if my child or grandchild were in a dangerous situation at a ballgame.”

Drew Central officials have not issued a public statement regarding the incident as of Wednesday morning.