High school football playoffs: McEwen short-handed in first round after 6 players ejected

McEwen will enter the Class 1A football playoffs with six players suspended after what a TSSAA officials' report called a "brawl" occurred in the third quarter of the Warriors' home game with Hollow Rock-Bruceton.

The report stated that "both benches emptied for a brawl among players." Six players from McEwen and six from Bruceton were ejected for "fighting and/or leaving (the) bench area."

TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress said the TSSAA staff looked into information provided by both schools and didn't consider the event a brawl.

"We had players that came out onto the field, but did not get involved," Childress said. "No one left the stands. Both schools were fined for players leaving the bench area during an incident.

"However, it was our determination after reviewing everything that it did not escalate to a brawl."

The officials were able to retain order about 10 minutes after the event occurred and  finished the contest.

McEwen principal Robert Lanham said the two schools have a good relationship. 

"McEwen High School is reviewing all game policy procedures to ensure protocols are in place to prevent this from happening again," Lanham said. "The school is drafting letters to send home to athletes as a reminder of how important sportsmanship is and the responsibilities of student athletes."

McEwen (6-4) travels to second-ranked Cornersville (10-0) on Friday for the first round of the Class 1A playoffs. All six ejected players must sit out due to TSSAA rules.

McEwen defeated Bruceton 28-12 in a game that determined the fourth and final seed from Region 6-1A. Bruceton finished 4-6 for the season.

While Bruceton is out of the playoffs, principal Joe Norval said the school is looking to make sure a repeat incident doesn't happen.

"The absence of sportsmanship in some of our players is disconcerting and (Bruceton) will address this issue with each of the players from our school that were ejected," Norval said. "I think it is important to know that both schools have been working together since this altercation to address our players' actions and to take measures to ensure this never occurs again.

"It should also be noted that we have been working directly with the TSSAA and fully support their findings."

More:Tennessee high school football playoff brackets released

Reach Tom Kreager at 615-259-8089 or tkreager@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Kreager.