Gardena: November 2009 Archives

We apparently reported this, but I can't find a link on our Web site. Here's the City News Service pick-up of our story:

A high school football game in Gardena was stopped in the fourth quarter Friday night when a fight broke out in the bleachers and somebody pulled a gun, it was reported Saturday.

Gardena High was losing 36-7 in a game against visiting Narbonne when the brawl broke out in the home stands, the Daily Breeze reported.

With 9:16 left in the fourth quarter, Gardena was preparing to punt when punches started flying in the bleachers. The Daily Breeze reported the fight quickly escalated into a free-for-all.

Both football teams huddled in the center of the field and, minutes later, officials called off the game. Police hustled everyone out of the area.

The game was ended, because authorities felt the spectators and the players were in danger, according to Gardena Coach Ed Lalau.

"That is not how we want to represent ourselves at Gardena High," Lalau told the Daily Breeze. "It's a shame that something like this had to ruin a great evening."

Gardena High celebrated homecoming at halftime, according to the Daily Breeze.

But on the scoreboard at the break, Narbonne was leading 29-0. The visitors then opened the third quarter with 10-play scoring drive to extend their lead.

It was unclear if anyone was seriously hurt.