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An image from a video shows players and adults engaged in a brawl.
WATCH Video 1: https://youtu.be/fgwYZcCObrg?si=nJ7IK5t6hYg_gM1O
WATCH Video 2: https://youtube.com/shorts/7gnAa-D6lH0?si=9ch8kjvgXljukmVl
Two videos circulating on social media show a major brawl between students from Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School and Hamshire-Fannett High School, and adults, that took place March 16 during a 7-on-7 football contest at Port Arthur Memorial High School. The Examiner asked officials for the status of any investigation into the matter, to mixed results.
One of the videos, nearly a minute in length, shows two adults on the ground fighting and other teens from both schools engaging in fighting as several adults or coaches attempt to break up the melee. The video also shows players from West Orange-Stark encouraging the participants while standing in the end zone.
A second video, more than 70 seconds in length, shows coaches separating players from the two schools.
Diocese of Beaumont Superintendent of Schools Robert Reid, Kelly High School oversight, in an email response, stated the event was not approved by school.
“Our athletic director and football coach were not aware of it and our understanding is that this was an AAU-sponsored 7-on-7 tournament,” Reid responded.
According to the superintendent, two Kelly High School student-athletes were among the at least seven team players, “and the coach was using the name ‘Kelly Dawgs’ without our authorization.”
“We do not know who the head coach is,” Reid added. “Once we identify the coach, we will ask him to cease from using the name ‘Kelly Dawgs.’ This group does not represent Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School.”
Hamshire-Fannett ISD Superintendent Dr. Dwaine Augustine was likewise contacted concerning the incident but did not reply as of press time.
According to the Chief Tim Duriso of the Port Arthur Police Department (PAPD), investigators are looking into the incident because it happened on Port Arthur ISD property. PAPD officers responded to the scene because there were no officers from the Port Arthur ISD Police Department on site, the police chief noted.
Duriso said no charges have been filed – and he is unsure if charges will ever be filed.
“The only way charges would be filed, would be if someone came forward,” Duriso said. “They would have to pursue it.”
In the spring, many Southeast Texas high schools participate in the Texas 7-on-7 Organization, a private organization not associated with either the UIL or the Texas High School Coaches Association, that promotes the game of football through 7-on-7 competitions. Teams from Sabine Pass, Nederland, Port Arthur, East Chambers, Port Neches-Groves, West Brook and Hardin-Jefferson also competed in the March 16 tournament.
State Qualifying Tournaments (SQTs) are held throughout the state, hosted by individuals selected by the organization’s SQT director. Each SQT follows similar procedures as outlined by the Board of Directors. SQTs are held in May and June. Division 2, for Class 4A and 3A Division 1 schools, will host tournaments at Hardin-Jefferson High School on May 11 and Hamshire-Fannett on May 25.
Teams that place in an SQT qualify for the 7-on-7 state tournament on July 27-29 in College Station.
Kelsey Burr, Public Relations Manager for the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), responded March 28 that this particular event at Port Arthur Memorial High School "was not an AAU-licensed event."