UPDATE: A chaotic night of high school football unfolded on October 6, 2023, as controversies erupted during multiple games, including the Gardena Serra vs. Sierra Canyon matchup. Tensions flared when Serra players suffered multiple cramps, causing delays and leading Sierra Canyon coach Jon Ellinghouse to instruct his players to fake cramps in protest, igniting a heated confrontation.
The game, held in Gardena, California, saw Serra players frequently cramping, disrupting Sierra Canyon’s fast-paced offense. By the end of the third quarter, Ellinghouse, frustrated with the repeated stoppages, directed all 11 of his offensive players to the ground. This action provoked an outraged response from Serra coach Scott Altenberg, who stormed onto the field and had to be restrained. Officials halted the game briefly, imposing 15-yard penalties on both teams.
In a post-game interview, Ellinghouse expressed regret over the fake cramping incident following his team’s 30-0 victory. “Looking back, I wish I had handled it differently,” he stated. Altenberg, who has been coaching for 27 years, vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “I’m not that kind of coach.”
The controversies didn’t end there. In another game, Salesian made headlines by scoring a staggering 91 points against Cantwell-Sacred Heart, who managed just 13 points. The score was an alarming 84-7 at halftime. Salesian coach Anthony Atkins defended his tactics, stating he began substituting players in the first quarter and noted that there was no running clock until the third quarter. He clarified that Cantwell-Sacred Heart did not request a running clock in the first half, adding, “Honestly, there was nothing more we could have done.”
Meanwhile, the Mira Costa-Lawndale game was abruptly halted due to a security threat at Mira Costa after a bullet was discovered on campus, leading to a suspension of both the game and a girls’ volleyball tournament.
In a developing story, standout quarterback Brady Smigiel of Newbury Park suffered an injury during a game against Santa Barbara. Smigiel, who has committed to play for Michigan, left the field in the second half. He is expected to undergo an MRI exam on Saturday, adding further tension to an already dramatic night.
As the fallout from these incidents continues, fans and officials alike are left questioning the integrity and safety of high school football. This developing story highlights the intense emotions and pressures surrounding high school athletics, with the ramifications likely to extend beyond the field. Stay tuned for the latest updates as this situation evolves.
