Joachim Jessen is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Carl Hayden for AZPreps365.com
 

PHOENIX — Carl Hayden’s 14-6 lead over Betty H. Fairfax became secondary on October 1 when a heated rivalry matchup erupted into an altercation that brought the flag football game to an early end.

Carl Hayden head coach Shamar Moreland said tension between the teams had been building before they took the field and continued throughout the game.

“There was just a lot of chirping,” Moreland said. “It started before the game, you know, on social media, kind of going back and forth.”

Moreland said he instructed his players to take down the social media posts before the game.

“We wanted to talk with the scoreboard,” Moreland said. “We wanted to talk on the field with our feet. I think we did that for the most part until we kind of just got uncharacteristic.”

Carl Hayden had success moving the ball from the opening possession. Sophomore Emari Hobson appeared to break free for a 90-yard touchdown on the first play of the game, but the play was called back because of a penalty.

Hobson continued to create problems for the Fairfax defense and eventually scored on a 15-yard touchdown run. Fairfax answered with a touchdown of its own, but a failed 2-point conversion left Carl Hayden ahead.

Lillielani Locket also contributed on both sides of the ball. The junior broke off a 35-yard run during the first quarter before making one of the most crucial plays of the game before halftime.

With 44 seconds remaining in the second quarter, Locket intercepted a Fairfax pass and returned it for a touchdown. Senior Briana Ramos Vazques converted the extra point, extending Carl Hayden's lead to 14-6.

Moreland pointed to Hobson and Locket as two of Carl Hayden's difference-makers.

“Emari Hobson, for starters,” Moreland said. “She's explosive. She gets the ball, she can make somebody miss and she's hard to keep up with.”

He added that Locket was “running hard” and credited senior quarterback Juliee Hoover's leadership and the team's willingness to play selflessly.

However, the game did not reach halftime.

After continued exchanges between the teams, an altercation broke out near the field involving members of both sides. The situation quickly escalated, forcing the game to be stopped before the second half could begin.

Fairfax players rushed toward Carl Hayden players and cheerleaders. The confrontation brought an already heated game to an end.

Moreland said the rivalry extends beyond flag football because many of the athletes compete against one another in other sports.

“These girls play each other during basketball season. They play each other during football season,” Moreland said. “It's a rival game and neither side kept their composure.”

Carl Hayden was awarded the 14-6 win.

Seth Polansky, director of sports information for the AIA, confirmed the result and said investigations into the incidents during and after the game would be handled by the schools involved.

Carl Hayden head coach Shamar Moreland and Betty H. Fairfax athletic director Andrea Holland were contacted for updates on their teams' status, but neither had responded at the time of publication.