WFAA-TV

Video images show a Roosevelt player throwing a punch at a Gilmer coach; others then move in to break it up.

DALLAS - The Dallas Independent School District is investigating an ugly end to one of its football games.

Players from Roosevelt High School are accused of instigating a near brawl. Cameras at the game even caught one player punching an opposing coach.

The Roosevelt Mustangs lost their Class 3A Division I Region II playoff game on Saturday to the Gilmer Buckeyes, a team from East Texas. It was a hard fought game on the field at Mesquite Memorial Stadium, and when the final whistle blew, the emotions never stopped.

Amateur video showed Roosevelt players dressed in white uniforms charging the sideline, which was where Gilmer players and fans were celebrating.

A News 8 photojournalist was caught in the middle of the action as well and captured what Gilmer's superintendent, Rick Albritton, called, "them storming our bench."

"We had some trainers pushed over in the mash," Albritton said. "We had a young lady pushed over. One of our coaches [struck in the face]."

The video showed a Roosevelt player throw a roundhouse right to the head of one of the Gilmer coaches. A police officer was also seen pulling the player off.

Dallas school officials are investigating the post-game incident.

Despite the commotion, there were no serious injuries to those involved, but the trophy presentation was delayed until order was restored.

"This isn't about any specific punishment," said DISD Trustee Lew Blackburn. "I trust Mike Hinojosa and the UIL [University Interscholastic League] to do whatever they need to do."

Gilmer's superintendent is drafting a complaint to the DISD and the UIL. He has asked that both groups look into the actions of some of the Mustang players.

E-mail ccivale@wfaa.com