The Maricopa High School Rams football team lost a nail biter to the Bradshaw Mountain High School Bears on a last-second touchdown, but the scene turned ugly after a brawl broke out between the two teams after the final whistle.

The night started on a high note with each of the 12 seniors being honored before the game. As the game progressed, controversial refereeing frustrated the players, coaching staff and fans. By the time the final whistle blew, tensions were at a boiling point and a fight broke out near the north end zone.

The situation became increasingly dangerous as fans jumped the fence to get involved, but coaches and administrators were able to separate the players and escort each team to the locker room.

Parents and administrators were concerned for their safety after the game and could be heard yelling “This is a disgrace to this community.” However, the Maricopa fans were separated into the parking lot, and Bradshaw Mountain was able to leave without any injury or further incident.

“That’s the first time I have ever seen anything like that,” MHS football head coach Chris McDonald said as he escorted his team to the locker room.

The incident took away from what was otherwise a great football game.

The game started with the Maricopa defense forcing Bradshaw Mountain to punt, and the Rams marching down the field for a touchdown.

However, the Bears responded immediately with a touchdown of their own, and the tone was set. It was a battle to the finish.

After trading touchdowns, the Rams turned the ball over just before the half and went to the locker rooms trailing 21-14.

The third quarter was a defensive battle, but senior running back Jalen Lee found running room and broke the game open for Maricopa. By the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Rams held a 28-21 lead.

With just 1:30 remaining in the game, Bradshaw Mountain marched down the field and scored a touchdown. The Bears converted a two-point conversion to take a 29-28 lead.

With hope dwindling, the Rams had one more chance.

After a few short passes, senior quarterback Aaron Owens connected with senior all-purpose player Isaiah Pedro for a 42-yard touchdown. The score gave the Rams a 34-29 lead with just 26 seconds left.

“They have a great quarterback, and there’s still a lot of time for him,” Maricopa Unified School District Athletic Director Mark Cisterna said after the Rams’ touchdown.

However, the Rams gave Bradshaw Mountain great field position after kicking the ball out of bounds. Maricopa compounded the problem by getting a “sideline warning” that moved the Bears 15 yards closer.

With 5.8 seconds left, Bradshaw Mountain’s junior quarterback Gunner Bundrick heaved a pass into the back corner and connected with junior wide receiver Ryan Shaver for a touchdown. The score and ensuing two-point conversion gave the Bears a 37-34 victory.

For the Rams, the loss likely costs them a chance to go to the playoffs. There is still a chance they could stay in the top 16 when the Arizona Interscholastic Association Power Rankings and playoff seeding is released tomorrow. However, their chances are very slim after a third loss in their last four games.

For Bradshaw Mountain, the win likely clinches a spot in the playoffs for the Bears. Bradshaw Mountain entered Friday’s contest ranked 16th in the Power Rankings. After upsetting the 13th ranked Rams, it would be hard to imagine the Power Rankings keeping Bradshaw Mountain out.

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