Scuffle Mars Pats Win Over Vikes (Update)

Union Pines running back John McMillan breaks free. Donna Ford

As of Monday, August 30, 2010

The 10th annual Battle of the Pines football game will probably not be remembered for the pulverizing ground game that powered Pinecrest to a 69-14 victory over Union Pines Friday night.

Damion Pride scored three of his four touchdowns during an explosive 35-point first quarter spree for the Patriots (2-0) that essentially determined the outcome. Three early Viking turnovers and a recovered onside kick by the home team may have helped fuel the tension for the ugliness that followed.

The Viking touchdowns came on connections of 14 and 64 yards between quarterback Taylor O’Neil and wide receiver Zak Rodriguez.

Late in the second quarter before an estimated 5,000 fans at the John Williams Athletic Complex, the Patriots’ Bryan Van Cleave scored on a two-yard run. He then ran for a two-point conversion, giving the home team a 49-7 lead.

A scuffle between players broke out at midfield following the ensuing kickoff by Dillon Maples that landed beyond the end zone for a touchback. There were many more than the allowable 11 players a side on the field before law enforcement officers helped restore order.

Game officials handed out ejections to three players from each side before play resumed about 15 minutes later.

“In retrospect, we should not have gone for two at that point in the game,” Patriot coach Chris Metzger said, referring to the two-point conversion. “That’s me and we should not have done it.

“What’s disappointing is that we had 7-on-7 together all summer and had great competition. We love their kids and they’re first class. Their kids and our kids have grown up together. It’s a shame it happened.”

Things could not have started worse for a Viking squad (1-1) that defeated Red Springs 27-7 last week in its season opener.

Pride went 21 yards for a touchdown to cap the first series of the game. Then on the Vikings’ second play from scrimmage, Julius Steele recovered a fumble by the Vikings’ John McMillan after a 15-yard gain. The next time the Vikings had the ball, Adam McDuffie made another fumble recovery for the Patriots, again on the second play.

The fifth touchdown of the first quarter was set up by the recovery of a lateral pass from O’Neil by the Patriots’ Dylan Gaffney. Quarterback Travis Scales and the Patriot corps of running backs chewed up 314 yards on the ground as the Patriots increased their advantage to 55-14 by halftime.

“Ball security is something we stress all the time,” Viking coach Ryan Riggan said. “Last week we played a turnover-free game. It really kills you when it happens and it bit us bad tonight. It’s the nature of this game, block, tackle and ball security. You do those things and you generally have a chance to win. We didn’t do them very well tonight.”

Taking the place of the injured Jerod McKenzie, right tackle Brett Heimrich was the only senior on the all new offensive line of the Patriots that has performed so well in the first two games. He was joined in the starting unit by juniors Mitch Monska, Steve Pollard, Octavius Rouse and Bryce Kennedy.

“We knew exactly what they were going to line up in so practice pays off,” Heimrich said. “Our running backs are real smart guys. We trust in them and they trust in us.”

Scales, Pride and Ralphael Alston each rushed for over 100 yards in the game. Alston and Scales both scored a pair of touchdowns. The Patriots completed only two of five passes for 10 yards, but rushed for 453 on 54 attempts.

“They just fired off the ball and we did our job,” said Alston who scored one of his touchdowns on an 85-yard kickoff return. “That’s why it happened the way it did.”

Union Pines accounted for almost half of its 191 total yards on the two gorgeous touchdown throws from O’Neil to Rodriguez. The Viking quarterback went 9-for-19 for 112 yards overall.

“It is what it is,” O’Neil said. “We go out and try to execute, but Pinecrest is a good team. We gave it our best. We’re going to put this game behind us. As long as everyone learns a lesson from what happened tonight, it’s all good.”

The Patriots were penalized 13 times for 150 yards to six for 58 for the visitors. The onside kick was recovered by Steele. Inside linebacker David Smith intercepted a pass and William Calloway was credited with the Pats’ fourth fumble recovery of the night. Tommy Messina of the Vikings covered one of the two fumbles the Patriots lost.

Pinecrest has now won the last three meetings between the teams by a combined score of 157-24. It has a 9-1 edge in the series that was renewed in 2001.

Riggan, in his second year as the Viking head coach, and several of his assistants were members of Metzger’s staff at Pinecrest before moving over to Union Pines.

“A lot of these guys I coached and worked with in the weight room when I was here,” Riggan said. “I love the kids. I think they’re great guys.

“I think both sides’ emotions run high. You have them playing to the whistle and a little after the whistle both ways. When that happens, the officials have to get it under control real fast. I like the emotion, just more positive.

“We’ve got Chatham Central next week. We have to get better soon.”

Pinecrest is scheduled to entertain Overhills. The Pats and Vikes will go into Friday’s games minus the players serving one-game suspensions.

UP 0 14 0 0 14

P’crest 35 20 14 0 69

Scoring – (P) Pride 21-run (Maples kick); (P) Pride 10-run (Maples kick); (P) Pride 7-run (Maples kick); (P) Scales 15-run (Maples kick); (P) Scales 1-run (Maples kick); (U) Z. Rodriguez 14-pass from O’Neil; (P) R. Alston 26-run (pass failed); (P) Van Cleave 2-run (Van Cleave run); (U) Z. Rodriguez 64-pass from O’Neil; (P) R. Alston 85-kickoff return (kick failed); (P) Pride 1-run (Brock kick); (P) K. Ocheltree 1-run (Brock kick).

Team stats – First downs – (U) 12 (P) 21; Rushing (U) 21-79 (P) 54-453; Passing (U) 9-19, 112 yds., int., 2 TDs (P) 2-5, 10 yds.; Penalties – (U) 6-58 (P) 13-150; Fumbles – (U) 4-4 (P) 5-2.

Individual stat leaders – Rushing – (U) Ring 4-31, McMillan 4-22, Ritter 8-22 (P) Scales 11-110, R. Alston 9-109, Pride 15-108, Van Cleave 5-47, K. Ocheltree 5-40, Strickland 2-30; Passing – (U) O’Neil 9-19, 112 yds., int., 2 TDs. (P) Scales 2-5, 10 yds.; Receiving – (U) Z. Rodriguez 3-85, Ritter 2-12 (P) Smith 1-6.

Were you at the game? Do you have photos or video of the incident that happened? If so, please contact us at sports@thepilot.com or by phone at (910) 693-2477.

More like this story

phstresident 2 years, 9 months ago

Lack of class tonight in this game by Pinecrest's coach. Up by 40 points in 2nd quarter and goes for 2 pt. conversion and kicks an onside kick. That decision did nothing but fuel the fire of what was already a chippy game with numerous personal fouls and players pushing and shoving already prior to that. Nice win by Pinecrest...but show a little sportsmanship next time. Set a very poor example for all the kids in the stands watching this one...

RD28327 2 years, 9 months ago

Fortunately, everyone shook hands after the game was over. I am wondering what kinds of consequences and repercussions that could happen as a result of the brawl which happened late in the first half.

nm43 2 years, 9 months ago

I wonder will they play like that when they finally play a 4A school. PHS show terrible sportsmanship always have and always will.

foregolf 2 years, 9 months ago

This was an opportunity for Pinecrest to practice plays, such as the 2 point conversion, during a game when they may not always that chance. As far as fueling the fire, both teams should be able to show some self control, discipline and respect...it does not matter how badly you are losing...unsportsmanlike conduct should never be tolerated in any high school sporting event. I understand that adrenaline was high, and like phsresident stated, there was pushing and shoving prior to the incident. If everyone in the stands could see it, how come the coaches and the refs did not? If they did, something should have been done before it escalated to the point which it did. The illegal behavior shown by a Union Pines player (the physical removal of a Pinecrest players helmet) and the retaliation by the PHS player show that there is a need for both teams to have a serious sit down on the ethics of high school sports.

joeseph 2 years, 9 months ago

I heard there was more to it on that two point conversion. A Union Pines player tackled the Pinecrest QB after he had walked in untouched and been signaled for the TD. You don't do that kinda stuff to the opposing QB and after the play is dead.

Having said that, the responsibility falls onto the refs to stop those dangerous plays and set the tone of the game, and they were oblivious to Coach Metzger and his emphatic rant. So, what does the coach do?... runs the same play again on the two point conversion to dare the Union Pines player and refs to repeat the transgression. Not a cool move by a coach in the heat of the moment, but there was a method behind the madness.

As for running up the score, there is a philosophical debate, especially at the high school level, of just what constitutes running up the score. On the college or professional level where the game is more sound and consistent, it is an obvious affront to the other team. But in high school games can turn on a dime. And so a big lead can evaporate in a heartbeat. witness last year's Enloe game in which they came back from 40 to nothing to make a game out of it. I've seen plenty of games where the second string was pulled after being put in and the first string sent back in because...oops, too much time left in the game and the other team is finally getting it together.

And, where are you going to get the opportunity to practice your plays in real situations like the onside kick? How to you build confidence and experience for your team if you don't play hard?

If you want a bunch of nice guys, coaches and players, playing football...well, that is what Pinecrest had over the years. Now these guys are playing to be the best of the best in the state. They can't turn the testosterone on and off so easily. Ta, it wasn't a good game. Ya, both teams should have shown better sportsmanship. But also know that Pine Crest is on a mission that all the boosters and fans have been yearning for over the years...to play at Richmond Senior's level. You can't get there by wishing it, you've got to yearn for it.

None 2 years, 9 months ago

joeseph ~ well spoken. It's all about playing the game the very best one can on the field while avoiding too many errors in judgment.

patriots4life 2 years, 9 months ago

First of all I was at the game last night. I thought for the most part it was a very well played game by both teams. There was alot of pushing around that unfortunately did end up drawing alot of penalty's for both teams. I will say that Blaming the Pinecrest coach for what the Union Pines players started in the 2nd quarter is ubsurd. Yes, Pinecrest kicked a onside kick, Yes they went for a 2 point conversion, However that had absolutely nothing to do with the 3 boys from Union Pines and 2 from Pinecrest being taken off the field. The "scuffle" occured after pinecrests kicker, kicked the ball into the endzone on a kick-off (again), after they had scored. Coach's should never be blamed for the actions of a opposing team's players no matter what the score is. Last year when Pinecrest was handled by Richmond at Pinecrest's homecoming, noone from Pinecrest did anything like that. What gives Union Pines players the right to start it there?

As for the score being run up, this is something that unfortunately has been started by alot of highschool and college teams. And people can look at it two different ways. With schools being ranked by a system that shows strength of schedule, wins-losses and unfortunately score vs. opponent, more schools who play against weaker non-conference teams will score more points. That is why you get blow-outs like last nights 69-14 victory. The sad part is Pinecrest could have scored 80+ easily, and you should be more thankful that Pinecrests coach showed some class towards Union Pines and took the throttle off. I'm sure he did this more-so for the fact that 3 of Union Pines coach's have left from Pinecrest to help out Union Pines football program in the past 2 years.

davk502 2 years, 9 months ago

It's simple discipline and respect for the game falls on both teams. Yes Pinecrest did over do it, however this event has many years of history. I'm quite sure that if Union Pines had a lead like Pinecrest did (Never happen) they would have attempted to put in a few trick plays themselves. I really hope that all players from Pinecrest did get a chance to get some playing time, not just a play for the coach to check the block saying all players played. Once you are up more than 21 pts there is no need to continue to have your starters play. This should have been a chance for the other players to step up and show that they have a little talent not just wear a jersey. I'v e seen too many games where the coach is over zelious and shows a lack of respect and sportsmanship for the game.

boyzx3 2 years, 9 months ago

I was at the game last night and it was UGLY from the beginning. A lot of trash talking and extra ciricular activities the entire game - before and after the fight. The refs let this cross county rivalry get out of hand from the get go as did the coaches from both teams.

I hope that 2nd and 3rd string players from both teams got in on this game for the experience this early in the season and simply because its UPHS vs PHS.

As for the score - any coach that is trying to put a program on top would have done the same thing. If the roles had been reversed Riggan would have had the same margin of victory as Metzger.

All of that said, it will be interesting to see which program handles the ejection of players as it should be. FIGHTS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED on the field of play period. My bets are on Metzger and PHS handling this quickly, showing the younger upcoming football players that this type of conduct will not be tolerated and that players should own up to their actions and responsibility. Not so sure about UPHS, they are not known for making players take some responsibilty, but hopefully Riggan learned alot at Metzgers side.

metrojoebarbs 2 years, 9 months ago

First of all, #57 and #55 for Union Pines were throwing cheap shots the whole first half. Even after being flagged, they still continued to throw them. The Union Pines coaches should have pulled the players in question once the 15 yard penalties did not work. How long do you expect the PC players to take that crap? Good hardnosed football is one thing, but cheap shots will never be tolerated by players on the field at any level. #57 just happened to pick a fight with a linebacker (#25). This kid doesn’t cheap shot anyone. What do you expect him to do? Anybody remember the bully on the play ground? Wake up and smell the coffee. This is football folks. Stop crying.

And for all you people who have been crying about building a power house program. Well you are getting what you asked for. This is what happens as a program starts to outgrow their competition. GREAT job to Coach Metzger and his staff.

Football 101…

1) When the on-side kick was called the score was only 21-0. 21 points in the first quarter at the high school level is not a lot of points. High school offenses can score very quickly. This is a good coaching call.

2) The 2 point conversion was called because the extra point on the prior touchdown was botched and they did not convert. For a coach to go for 2 after missing an extra point is not unusual.

What I don’t agree with is the PC crowd (as well as the Union Pines) cheering on the fight and the aftermath.

bd1985 2 years, 9 months ago

Anyone who has watched football at any level has witnessed many incidents when adrenelyn and testosterone has overtaken common sense. This was one of those, started by a few players and escalating based on the reactions of a few more. More telling is the reaction to the incident--by the players, coaches, officials and yes, the fans. There was careful deliberation by the coaches and officials whether the game should continue and upon what terms. Well done. Pinecrest coaches gathered the team and had them "take a knee" while one of the coaches prayed. Well done. On the other side of the field, players were allowed to continue to incite each other and the UP fans. Not so good. As a UP assistant coach escorted the three ejected UP players from the field, he waved his arms to incite the crowd and kicked over a yardage marker. Disgraceful. But order was restored when starters were (preventively) removed and officials kept tight rein on the remainder of the game.

Now the question is how the community and administration reacts to do something about this so-called "Battle of the Pines" that has become a "Beatdown in the Pines." Joseph is right on point. Teams should not be asked to play less than their best, and taking starters out in the first half isn't the answer either. When the game is out of reach, a good coach will try unusual plays to see how the team executes in a game situation... a two point conversion and an onside kick (especially when UP blockers were "cheating" back in the event the kick returner decided to risk a run from the endzone) are good examples.

For many years PC fans watched their severely overmatched team get pounded by other conference teams. When PC football was on the verge of extinction, the PC boosters and the aministration got solidly behind a long-term plan to hire an excellent coach (and coaching staff) to turn the program around. Until then, the immediate answer was to ask the other teams to "take it easy" once the game was out of reach and put in their reserve players. But that's not a productive answer at all--it doesn't help either PC or their opponents improve. At this point, scheduling a game with UP doesn't help PC improve. Likewise, UP scheduling games with 1A opponents doesn't help them improve either.

Not too many years ago, the "Battle of the Pines" was the only opportunity either team had to win a game during the season. Quite frankly, it was an opportunity for comic relief as the quality of play on both sides was laughable. Now that both teams can win conference games, there is no "need" for the PC-UP game and the divisiveness the drubbing creates between the teams' supporters. The same inquiry should be made concerning soccer. Despite keeping a line of 6 UP defensive players backed into the box for most of the first half, PC scored 4 goals and (as reported by the Pilot) outshot the Vikes 44-7 in Wednesday's game at UP. It's time to end the "Battle."

ontheinside 2 years, 9 months ago

Coaches control players not refs. All the refs can do is throw flags but that's not going to stop hot heads. Want to control a player? Sit his azz on the sideline. As for those who were ejected that's exactly where they'll be for the next two games.

TeamRhinoLLC 2 years, 9 months ago

"Powerhouse teams and programs" do not schedule games against lower classification teams unless they are exceptional programs.
The BCS makes running up the score in NCAA games a necessity.
DBHS smokes Terry Sanford last night - Karma
Athletes first, winning second is philosophically must for all youth and amateur coaches
Calling out individual high school and youth players in public forum by adults is tacky at the least

member 2 years, 9 months ago

We sure have a lot of football coaches around here! I can only hope you are volunteering your expertise to help your hometown teams. It sounds like things were out of control from the beginning, and that many people involved could have made different decisions. However, it's over and now we can move on. I admittedly don't know a ton about the football rules, but I tried to look up what happens when a player is ejected. From what I could tell, it's a mandatory week off and could be more. Looks like both Pinecrest and Union Pines will be without 3 players this coming Friday. Not sure what the impact from the players missing out will be, but I can only hope that there will be no more trash talking and cheap-shotting from either team the rest of the year. We all make mistakes--The question is "Have we learned from them?"

UPHSFan 2 years, 9 months ago

Hmmm this seems like a bunch of PC Fans just getting together to vent, so ill say my peice to stir up the hornets nest. To say Union Pines started that fight is an ignorant statement. PC did nothing but antigonize UP players from the get go.

Union Pines might of cheap shotted y'all but it was retaliation. Your entire team should a lack of class. First off your O-lineman giving out 2 blocks in the back, these werent accidents either these were ARE linebackers who were out of the play getting up to dust themselves off and being blindsided in the back by your offensive lineman. Then your "prize" kicker flexing his "guns" on the PAT and Kickoffs and giving the UP crowd a nice middle finger to boot. And dont start with cheapshots weve got film of your o-linemen laying ontop of our D-linemen refusing to get up after the whistle was blown and the touchdown was scored. Then your Linebacker starts throwing cheap shots infront of our sideline, dont spit in our faces and expect us to stand idly by.

Now for your coaches; its bologna if you think you have to practice an onside kick and 2 point conversations in a "game situation" to get experience...You know where you can practice things like that? PRACTICE! And YES! Your coaches did run up the score, they didnt pull their starters till late in the 3rd quarter. And dont think the UP fans havent heard about your offensive coordinator trying to encourage your players to break 100 on us. UP started rotating the starters out after the first half.

If you think you have to run up a score to be considered in the same breath as Richmond then go shove your head in the sand and open your mouth because you should never be allowed to talk again. Win with class and shut your mouths.

Now for you guys who want to rag on UP on ThePilot.<

1) If you think scheduling 1A schools is bad for UP cause they might be lower on the totem pole then us then take a look at your Preseason schedule you hypocrite.

2) Dont talk crap saying UP doesnt make its players show "responsibility" you have no idea what your talking about you jaded idiot.

3) Dont assume UP would have kept the pedal on if we were in the same position as PC we didnt agaisnt Red Springs, we know how to win with class.

4) You can all go shut up about how this was bad sportsmanship because in general we are (Im saying me too) all part of the problem. We post crap like this and expect players to lay down and take it. The parents feed their children lines of when they "use" to play PC or UP and the coaches get hyped up for a game EVERYONE wants to WIN.

Lets be honest UP doesnt have the resources PC has, whereas PC has like 2500 students? UP has around 1600? you guys have a slightly bigger Athelete pool. Where UP has around 6 on staff "coaches" (the rest being volunteers) PC has in the double digits for coaches.

All in all this game was UGLY and poorly managed by both teams, i can admit that, can you?

metrojoebarbs 2 years, 9 months ago

@TeamRhinoLLC, (regarding #5) no one is calling out anyone. Pointing out is and stating the facts is what I am doing. 5000 people personally witnessed the chaos last night. The entire county knows what happened last night and the players involved once this hit the internet. Come on, tacky... give me a break.

nm43 2 years, 9 months ago

@boyz3 UP is the school that will make the athletes be held to a higher standard. PHS has too many underhanded things going on with the FB program. @dovk502 UP about 20 years ago and better use to whip up on PHS like that I seen it. Again UP will not get well until they get some real football coaches that have knowlege of working a winning program. Its a shame when JV plays Varsity players (that normally don't see the playing field) from the other team thursday night. They take the fun out of the game.

ontheinside 2 years, 9 months ago

member, every player who was ejected will miss two games and by NCHSAA rules, any school with 3 ejections for fighting will be barred from the playoffs.

nm43 2 years, 9 months ago

question @ontheinside so does the ejections last night count as one or does each individual count as one.

hardluck21006 2 years, 9 months ago

There appears to be alot of bleacher coaches at this game last night, myself being included. Let us not forget what we are teaching this young adults. PC Coaching staff showed it's team that when you have an opposing team beat down, you don't stop until they beg for mercy like they were being done to not even 5 years ago. Remember PC was being beat by 4A schools constantly until they begged for mercy and messed with the idea of shutting down the football program. UP coaching staff on the other hand ask their players to stand up to adversity with their heads held high and most of all, when things got did not go their way, do not quit. The bench clearing fight was a result of both coaching staffs, refs, and parents and fans. A few hot heads got the better of both teams and now the end result. The only way for this problem to be resolved is for PC to play 4A and UP play 3A schools.

boyzx3 2 years, 9 months ago

nm43 - I've had first hand up close experience with UP athletics they will never be held to a higher standard. I'm hoping PHS will lead the way and maybe others will follow. Been impressed with Metzger so far and the kids seem to respect him and vice versa.

ontheinside - glad the NCHSAA rules say these players will miss two games, but I'm more concerned about what each school will do on top of this. You are absolutely right coaches control their players not the refs, but the refs could have helped the situation last night.

teamrhinoLLC - STUDENTS first, ATHLETES second

Maybe its time for our School Board to set down some guidelines for athletes and coaches and not just rely on the NCHSAA "rules" to guide "OUR" kids here in Moore County.

The fans who applauded last night during the fight and when the kids where being escorted off the field should be ashamed of themselves.

Peevie 2 years, 9 months ago

The melee that broke out last night in the UP vs. Pinecrest football game plus the responses from the crowd signal a deterioration in our larger community's orientation toward sport that is in sore need of some serious attention. Although I was a high school football player and have been a fan for 65 years, I was embarrassed for Pinecrest last night more than at any time during their recent lean years. When I got home I reviewed and reflected on Coach Metger's guiding Pinehurst Football Program Principles found on the first page of this year's football program. It seems to me that the next time the Patriots are together for instruction those clear principles are especially worthy of renewed attention and self examination. No matter how tormented and abused players on both sides might have felt, and no matter how personal a game with a rival might become -- too many players, fans and a few coaches became lost in their rage. Last night provided what could become an opportune new platform for learning how to be better players and better people in the face of unexpected adversity. In fact, I think the only way something good can rise from this debacle is by learning what those principles mean when the other team's conduct feels like it is out of line.

Regrettably, some P. fans also lost their cool last night. As players came off the field at half-time some adults in the crowd shouted "way to tear 'em up out there" and "kill 'em in the second half." Grownups who should know better allowed the intense emotion that is part of football to become manifest in immature ways, Too many set very poor examples of themselves for players and other students who need to learn better. We should all look in the mirror on this point.

I suggest that school officials resolve to teach sportsmanship as Coach Metzger has articulated it in ALL activities and then look within ourselves for alternative behaviors to this near riot. What a vibrant and relevant curriculum addition that would be for both schools! In the meantime, ALL athletic events between the two schools should be suspended for a minimum of two years. Those us in the adult community must remember that the guiding values and principles of our communities are reflected in the conduct of our young people. Like most, we have a way to go toward becoming the best people -- not just football players and fans -- that we can be.

CC85 2 years, 9 months ago

As a former Pinecrest player, I've sat backed and watched this so called "rivalry" get hyped by both the media and the schools the past few years. Aside from ticket sales, I can't seem to understand why this game continues to be played. Pinecrest has many obvious advantages that will always make a Union Pines victory virtually out of reach, aside from an upset maybe every 15-20 years.

The kids on both of these teams work very hard all summer. Even on the HS level, the mental commitment and physical rigors of playing football are tremendous. I commend both of these teams for their hard work.

Union Pines deserves better than a 69-14 rout and Pinecrest should never be expected to take a proverbial "knee" and stop short of the goal line.

Thane 2 years, 9 months ago

boyzx3 - First off I think your wrong about UP athletes not being held to a higher standard for one because I am one so I think I would know a little more than you about the subject. Second the reason why people look at Metzger differently is fear, not respect. Metzger is a bully who's sole purpose last night was to humiliate coach Riggins. Childish and trully ugly, it merely demonstrates what the county and Pinecrest highschool are willing to accept for coaches. There was no honor in that game and in essence it was shameful.
If we're going to talk about the fight, then we can blame Metzger. How are we supposed to form any kind of bond between schools when a coach is going to purposely humiliate the rivals team and coach to such a degree? The chances of coming back from a 49 to 7 point lead is beyond unlikely and they still tried to push it as far as they could. Is anyone reminded of the class bully who won't throw the first punch but will egg on a fight between his underlings? Metzger at his best. And from where I sat last night, I saw what looked like a Pinecrest player starting the situation so I fail to see anything wrong with retaliation. Perhaps Im wrong but I don't believe so. My only regret is that more turf wasn't pulled up in the game.

dogboy 2 years, 9 months ago

metrojoebarbs says " there's no crying, there's no crying in football ".

pilotreader 2 years, 9 months ago

That was my first UP vs PC football games as I did not attend either high school. We sat on the UP side supporting my husband's alma mater. I will say that the PC reputation preceeds itself and for so many reasons observed last night (including but not limited to the football game) one thing is for certain... my daughter will never step foot as a student at PC high school.

bluedawg 2 years, 9 months ago

This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.

ontheinside 2 years, 9 months ago

mm43, no. When you fight you're ejected from that game. You are then suspended two more games by the NCHSAA. Some school systems provide for doubling the NCHSAA ban. The reporter is clueless with his one game comment.

pcb1946 2 years, 9 months ago

isnt the kicker the kid who is eventually going to be drafted in the MLB? no class.

MoCoPatriot 2 years, 9 months ago

"Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that"-Bill Shankly

The difference between Pinecrest and Union Pines is this: Pinecrest made the decision not to peck in the barnyard with the chickens and instead work to flying with the eagles.

For far too long we've merely "competed" with Union Pines, the last couple of years we've "swamped" them. This is a good start. Now, Union Pines, ya'll need to act like champions, take your whippings like champions, know the pain of defeat, and hopefully you'll all taste the sweetness of victory.

For too long Moore County football has been seen as hopeless. Well now we have more than hope, we have goals and plans to get there. Get outta your row boats Vikings and get some warships. Ya'll really can't afford to linger on this game, or by the time you stop belly aching, you'll be 1-10 and on the verge of total program collapse like we were. Just be glad it wasn't 86-6, 77-0, 72-0, or 55-6. Trust us, things could be much worse than 69-14.

I'll have to give credit to the enthusiasm shown right after the "Fight" by the Vikings. It showed that ya'll have heart. Now please use it to get better, stop blaming us for doing what you're supposed to do in the game of football, its really pathetic and humorous.

MoCoPatriot 2 years, 9 months ago

When you are ejected from a football game, you are removed for the remainder of that game and the next game. The time spent out during the remainder of initial game plus the entirety of next game is counted as a two game suspension. The six players ejected will be back for the fourth game.

pin2win 2 years, 9 months ago

If the ejection is reported to the nchsaa as fighting then it will be a two game suspension. The student athletes will be eligible week 5. see link below.

https://www.nchsaa.org/intranet/downloadManagerControl.php?mode=getFile&elementID=6492&type=5&atomID=8528

Mark106 2 years, 9 months ago

Penalties – (U) 6-58 (P) 13-150

I guess the officials only saw the cheap shots from UP??? Look above in tthe boxscore.

I'm soooo glad I took my child to UP to get away from Crimecrest! Thanks. You all just made my decision justified.

ontheinside 2 years, 9 months ago

MoCoPatriot, you are incorrect. You are EJECTED from the game you are in. You are then SUSPENDED an additional 2 games.

Penalty for an ejection for the above reasons • football – ejection from the contest, miss the next contest at that level and all contests in the interim (miss the next two contests for fighting)

If you'd like to place a wager on that, I'll be more than happy to take your money!

gardak 2 years, 9 months ago

The simple reason this game will be played every year comes down to money and a whole lot of it. Estimated 5000 fans at $6 each means Pinecrest made $30,000 in one game.

Also was it true that one of the Union Pines assistant coaches was arrested after the game for swinging at one of the Pinecrest players during the melee?

gardak 2 years, 9 months ago

There's also this matter to consider:

From the NCHSAA Handbook p.137

Teams in the following situations will not be allowed to participate in the playoffs: ? a team whose players and coaches accumulate three or more individual ejections for fighting (note: if a situation occurs where three of more players on one team are ejected during one fighting incident, those three individual ejections will cause the team to lose its playoff privileges)

I forsee major butt kissing going on in Chapel Hill on Monday by both teams.

cruiserunc 2 years, 9 months ago

I sat through the entire PC/UP game last night. While I never attended either school, I did play high school football many years ago. We can talk about sportsmanship, leadership, coaching, losing, dirty play, etc all we like but frankly I would much rather win a game like that than lose a game like that. Both teams had their seasons of dispair at one point or another through the years and PC faced canceling the season before deciding to take football seriously, find a great coach and put together a program where scoring 69 points in a game was possible. Just four years ago, scoring 69 in a season was unimaginable. In retrospect, the onside kick or the two point conversion may both be a little over the top but frankly, if coach Metzger had not begun significant substitution in the second quarter and more liberally in the second half, the game could have easily topped 80. The notion that the officials have little responsibility here is nonsense. There were times it was out of control and rather than warn players and flag fragrant plays, they tried to create a balance of letting them play. The problem was, the game grew more and more aggressive until the UP player ripped the helmet off the kids head on a kickoff that soared out of the end zone which triggered the fight. As the evening wore on, so did the egos and the outlandish behavior. By the end of the game, coaches and players greeted each other, shook hands, and found their way to their lockers. UP has a good team and will have better nights. PC will have some tough nights when they get into some of the best HS football in NC but that's how it goes. Good luck to both teams as they gear up for conference play in the coming weeks.

ontheinside 2 years, 9 months ago

curiserunc I haven't read where anyone said the officials don't have a responsibility. Officials have a responsibility to flag fouls. But that's not going to stop a hot head. Warning players serves no purpose either. Hot heads are hot heads no matter what facet of life we're discussing. Throw all the flags you want. Until the coach takes the hot head out of the game the potential always exist for things to get out of hand.

nm43 2 years, 9 months ago

@bd1985 the coaches praying are hypocrites while they turn a blind eye to some players and their added adrenaline juice that is used please spare me.

phsfan84 2 years, 9 months ago

Having been at the game I can say that both teams showed unsportsmanship conduct, however it all started with the UP player in the first quarter throwing a swing at a PHS player that the official standing right there didn't call. Rumor's were all around town how UP was going to avenge the UP JV loss the night before to the PHS JV team. So it started before anyone stepped onto the football field. PHS player's earned every point in that game, and you can't tell me that if the situation was reversed UP wouldn't have done the same things. Come on people, it's football! The object of the game is to score! And PHS did! Here's the bottom line, if you can't run with the big dogs, stay on the porch!

nm43 2 years, 9 months ago

@MoCoPatriot PHS does not fly with eagles they stand with buzzards. They are the elite athlete more like juice heads and a win is a win no matter how you get it. Don't toot your own horn. How are there grades from what I understand alot of the FB players last year and the prior year had to go to summer school. So continue to pick the road kill BUZZARDS. Metzger does not command respect he instills fear he is that bully in school. PHS may have won the battle on the field but UP graduates/student athletes are winning the WAR called life.

nm43 2 years, 9 months ago

@phsfan84 it started before that when pincrest DT were displaying unsportman like conduct and it wasn't called but that is always the way w/PHS never see what they do to start a situation its a shame because you just can't enjoy a friendly game of football anymore.

patriot4life 2 years, 9 months ago

Here is the deal. As a former patriot athlete I can sympathize with the UP team from Friday's game. The PHS football teams over the past 15 years or so have been on the other end of those beatings far too many times. However, you cannot as a coach, player or program attempt to redeem yourself by drumming a 3A team who is 15 miles up the road. It's just not right. How much respect do you think you have gained not only in this county but in the conference or state? Now, for the UP guys. Just as Metzger has turned the PHS program around, I have no doubt that Riggan will do the same for the Vikings. However, you too cannot gain respect by throwing blows or ripping helmets off of your opponents. As for the comment about PHS's "prize" kicker and the MLB, scouts will do extensive background and character checks on him. He is an investment, and they will not invest in someone like that. Just know this, sportsmanship is not limited to the mandatory handshake at the end of the event.

August 28, 2010 at 10:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )

patriot4life 2 years, 9 months ago

My take on the "prize" PHS kicker is this. He is an extremely gifted athlete and a truly humlbe kid. If he did do the fist pumping, I doubt it was done to show-up the UP team. He is a competitor and he does the same thing on the baseball field. However, if the actions happened with him flipping the middle finger to the UP team and crowd, I'm sure that incident will be handled by Metzger, Hewitt and Mom and Dad.

August 28, 2010 at 11:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest

theonewithsense 2 years, 9 months ago

The fight was ugly. Both teams should and probably will be banned from post season play. Of course UP has no chance what-so-ever to make the playoffs, so I guess they win the fight if they got Pinecrest banned.

The only thing more classless than fighting is grown adults cheering their team during and after a fight. That happened on both sides.

RD28327 2 years, 8 months ago

I did see this on the WRAL web site .....

http://www.highschoolot.com/content/story/8207906/

nm43 2 years, 8 months ago

@theonewithsense: PHS should be banned anyway because everywhere they go they display unsportsman like conduct this is the not the first time its just the first time it has escalated to this magnatude. They may not see post season anyway winning against 1a-3a schools does not send you to the playoff conference games do.

MikeMartin 2 years, 8 months ago

Obviously not a good situation for Pinecrest or Union Pines.

The link below is our coverage of the incident as it happened on MooreSportsRadio.com Friday night.

This is AUDIO ONLY.

PHS-UP melee.mov by MooreSportsRadio

phsfan84 2 years, 8 months ago

@NM43 for you to call the PHS guys "elite athlete more like juice heads" is just totally immature! Obviously you are a UP fan and can not see past your own face. BOTH teams showed unsportsmanship like conduct, I said that. However in the first 12 minutes of the game when the UP player swung at the PHS that was all on him, not a PHS player. You talk junk about Metzger, but say nothing about Riggins, who came from PHS. Learned from Metzger. Can you justify his behavior of the night? It's a sad situation for both teams, players and coaches! It's funny how nothing bad was ever said about PHS players when they weren't winning any games, but now that Metzger has turned the program around the name calling starts! @metrojoebarbs, I saw the same players you did throw the swings and nothing was done. If Riggin and his staff are so wonderful, why didn't they pull them out of the game? Because they wanted them in to keep pushing the PHS players. PHS players finally said enough is enough. Our kids are taught from the get go, in any sport, the win is what the end goal is. Both teams were out to win and the better team won!

Matt_Woodruff 2 years, 8 months ago

I was there. I must say I was shocked when the fans started cheering on the fight. What a sad comment on our society that we seemingly encourage fighting between KIDS!

momofthree 2 years, 8 months ago

I am glad that I am not the only person that was there at this game who could not believe the way the adults were acting. I sat there with my mouth to the floor shaking my head at adults cheering on these highschool students for fighting. I watch then stand up over and over again. I could not believe it. And then cheer again when the kids left the field. It is sad to see adults acting that way. You are just telling those boys that it is ok to act that way. That is very sad great parenting skills guys!!!!!!!!!!

member 2 years, 8 months ago

Please tell me that the fans were cheering to keep the kids excited and not let them get down, instead of actually cheering on a fight. Are we sure that they were cheering the fight? (Although some are saying there was NO fight...it was just a little pushing and shoving!) I have to believe that adults surely can't be so stupid as to encourage fighting on a football field by cheering...

Nicole 2 years, 8 months ago

I was at the game last Friday night, it was alot of pushing and shoving, and just to make it clear we cheered because the players were ejected from the game both from UP and PC, we don't tolerate unsportsmanship

momofthree 2 years, 8 months ago

I don't know were you there? I could be wrong and had took it wrong. But as a parent there was nothing to be cheering about. If the boys were down they had reason to be they shouldn't have been fighting out there. I know sports can get heated but you have to learn self control.

msp52pilot 2 years, 8 months ago

"member," I agree with your assessment that the cheering was not in favor of the "brawl," but to let the team members know that the fans were in support of them in a very unfortunate situation. I was there as a Pinecrest fan/alumnus (not a parent or staff member). The 2-point conversion that has been discussed so much was, IMO, done because the previous PAT had not been successful. I figured the onside kick was a way of "trying something in a game situation" that may or may not work in PHS's favor. If UP had gotten the ball on that play, it could have been looked at very differently. I've read reports that 3 players were ejected from each team, but what I observed was 3 UP players being escorted off the field and then 2 PHS players escorted off. I am so disappointed about this situation. I am so proud of Pinecrest and the hard work they have put in under Coach Metzger and his staff and have enjoyed seeing their improvement over the past 3 years. I also know some of the UP coaches and follow their team and hope they will be successful. I just listened to the audio of the game as posted by Moore Sports radio and agree with the announcer that a UP player (who fans had been discussing was causing problems throughout the first half) seemed to be the instigator of the initial incident that ending up inciting both teams.

momofthree 2 years, 8 months ago

Yes there may have been some cheering for that reason. But what i was hearing was different if that is why you were cheering then good. But what i was hearing was GOOD Job!!!! way to go boys!!!!. That is the kind of crap i heard. So If you were a parent cheering i guess for the right reason my comment is not towards you.

member 2 years, 8 months ago

I was not there. I can't imagine that adults would condone and even cheer on student athletes that were fighting. I wish I could see some video of this because it sounds like there may be more to it. If anyone has video they would like to share, please let me know! (Although I doubt anyone will come forward with any...Especially if the coaches from both teams "don't have any video".)

msp52pilot 2 years, 8 months ago

Thanks for that, "momofthree." Actually, a large number of fans sitting near me did not stand up or cheer at all during the entire situation. I agree that "GOOD job!!!" and "way to go, boys!!!" were totally inappropriate for the situation.

dogboy 2 years, 8 months ago

...a microcosm of our coarsening society.

cecilia 2 years, 8 months ago

I went to Pinecrest for my first three years of high school, and transferred to a different state for the fourth. I was a freshmen when Coach Metzger first took control of the football program. I have been in the weight room with the boys, I have been with them on the field, and I can say from first hand experience and witness that, contrary to many comments above, not one player used steroids. Everyone needs to quit judging these boys. They're only in high school. I can go into the science of an underdeveloped frontal lobe that is present in teenagers if you want, but I doubt you do. Coach Metzger stresses respect with ALL athletes, not just football players, and he is not a bully. You cannot judge someone from watching one football game, you only have the right to judge someone if you truly know them. Likewise, I was around when Coach Riggens and Coach Delusme were coaching at Pinecrest. Each of them held the players to their highest standard, and I truly doubt that has changed in their transfer to Union Pines. And claiming the only way to solve this is by cancelling all athletic events between the two schools is ridiculous. I ran track at Pinecrest, and have any of you thought about the repercussions of cancelling Union Pines/Pinecrest contests for any sport besides football? It's very hard to gather teams for a track meet where four our more teams are required for it to be considered legitimate by the NCHSAA. Union Pines was always out our meets, and we were at theirs. Almost everyone has taken this unfortunate event way too far, and they are the ones being childish and immature, much more so than the players involved. Reading these comments made me more upset than reading the actual article and hearing the audio footage. True, I wasn't there in person, but I know all of those boys. And by the way, to everyone bashing the "prize kicker" for his "unsportmanlike kick", he can kick a field goal from the 50 yard line, if we all remember from last season. So yeah, he has a lot of power. I'm sure a kick that can go 50 yards will go pretty far if its just a PAT

foregolf 2 years, 8 months ago

I was sitting 6th row, 50 yard line on the Pinecrest side. There was PLENTY of cheering right after the fight while the refs were on the field determining what to do. The players on the sideline where jumping around, waving their hands in the air and MANY adults in the stand joined in. I had the "pleasure" of sitting 2 rows in front of one particular piece of trash who was screaming at the top of lungs about finishing them off. I will have to say, the only group that showed any class out there were the cheerleaders. They stood still the entire time and did not engage in any of the ridiculous behavior that was portrayed on the field and in the stands. Both stands did cheer when the other teams' ejected players were walked off of the field. And there was more than just shoving... I saw one Pinecrest player punching a UP player on his helmet while he was on the ground. I hope he broke his hand. BTW- I am a graduate on PHS class of 1990 and have a daughter who will be class of 2015. From what I saw, UP started it, but Pinecrest should have shown way more class than acting like a bunch of hyped up animals.

theonewithsense 2 years, 8 months ago

cecilia, I am relieved to find out that not one player used steroids. I assume you were in charge of the testing or at least had access to the results. It's okay to judge poor sportsmanship. Hundreds of other schools played football this weekend in NC, with similar underdeveloped frontal lobes, but managed not to fight or leave the bench.

That's about all I was willing to read.......paragraphs are apparently not your friend.......

theonewithsense 2 years, 8 months ago

the cheerleaders were instructed by their coach to not do anything and stand there......kudos to the coach

really 2 years, 8 months ago

According to this article there is no tape of the game. Really? If you believe this I've got some land to sell you! So a chance to teach these boys a valuable life lesson about honesty is wasted over football playoffs. Lie about it and maybe we will get off the hook for our actions. Really? Very classy indeed. We wanted Friday Night Lighst and we got it. Enjoy, win at all costs! Maybe we should stop praising these fools like they are gods and dig a little deeper. We should expect more from our coaches than blatant lies to try to stay in the playoff hunt. A coach tapes practice yet there is mysteriously no game film?

Very disappointed in reading this as this type of action has far more implications in these boys lives than missing the football playoffs. Coaches and administrators should be ashamed for not turning over the game tape. There is no excuse for this!

http://www.ihigh.com/school4698/article_32930.html

nm43 2 years, 8 months ago

@msp52pilot no get the facts straight it was a DT from pinecrest that kept hitting a UP player after the play had ended in his back and it was never called the PHS player did this 3-4 times and I guess the UP player had all he could take. No i don't agree with how he handled it but look at the source and its always PHS they have been out of control for years and not just on the football field either.

member 2 years, 8 months ago

If only there was actual video coverage, we could finally figure out who did what! (Please read with a small degree of sarcasm, because there is no doubt in MY mind that video exists!) I wouldn't be surprised to see something on you tube or facebook even...

boyzx3 2 years, 8 months ago

What a chance to teach these young impressionable young men a lesson and what do both schools do, LIE about no film available of this game.

I have an idea - suspended both principals, both athletic directors and both head coaches, without pay, until the film magically appears. Then maybe we can get some resolution to this mess and move on.

jembraskz 2 years, 8 months ago

I blame the Ref's for letting things lead up to the fight. Union Pines players had been playing dirty from early on in the first quater. I saw this from where i was sitting. I don't think that this should keep either team from playing in the playoff's. That would be so unfair!! These are high school kids, and we all have made poor decisions when we were teenagers. I maybe can see a 1 game suspention if that. Come on, give these kids a break! The Ref's should have done there jobs earlier on in the game...