What happened Friday night, when an on-field altercation broke out during the annual “Battle of the Pines” football game between Pinecrest and Union Pines high schools, was a shame and a disgrace.

It reflected terribly on the community as a whole. It was a black mark on the careers of the adults in charge, who could have seen trouble brewing and averted it. Big mistakes appear to have been made, and those who made them and let things get out of hand should have to face the consequences of their actions — or lack of them.

Nor should any steps be spared to get to the bottom of the causes of the outburst and prevent any repeats. First and foremost, the Battle of the Pines football game needs to be suspended — perhaps permanently. It may once have served a purpose, but it has outlasted its usefulness.

An Avoidable Spectacle

Exactly 4:25 remained in the first half of a game that was well in hand (Pinecrest led 49-7) when the ugly scuffle erupted near the Union Pines sidelines. Benches cleared. Chaos ensued amid general violence, and the game was delayed for more than 20 minutes as officials, law-enforcement agents and school officials sought to restore order.

Though some details of this unfortunate and avoidable spectacle still remain sketchy, players from both sides were reportedly ejected for fighting, which could result in post-season bans for both teams.

Ironically, the county schools renewed their football rivalry 10 years ago after a lengthy absence because those involved believed the game was good for the community, uniting it through the competition of sports. But in more recent years, ironically, the results of the game, and the way it has been played, have only served to cause further divisions within the county and the school system and among players, coaches, fans and representatives from both teams.

In the past three years, especially, the game has deteriorated notably. Calling it a mismatch is kind. Pinecrest has dominated the series, winning nine of the 10 games played and outscoring its cross-county neighbor by a total of 157-24 in the previous three games.

Shut it down.

Lousy Sportsmanship

One highly disturbing indication of just how counterproductive the atmosphere at this annual competition has grown came when ejected players were sent to the locker rooms as a penalty for their infractions. But instead of hanging their heads in shame and embarrassment, some adult fans from both schools lionized the offenders amid applause and a chorus of cheers.

What a sorry lesson for the young people present.

Sportsmanship, character and respect need to be more than just hollow words uttered by head coaches and disappointed school administrators. They need to be a foundation for both programs. And they must be practiced and preached — both on and off the field — by everyone at both schools, including coaches, administrators, players and fans.

The entire spectacle was unacceptable and disgusting. If heads must roll to prevent a recurrence, then let them roll.