GREENSBORO, N.C. — Several fights among spectators at Dudley High School's football game Friday night forced the game to end early, according to Guilford County Schools.
Dudley was hosting Hillside High School from Durham. The district said after several fights broke out between spectators, the Greensboro Police Department advised the game should be canceled out of an abundance of caution and safety.
Video submitted to WFMY News 2 showed one of the fights. People in the crowd could be seen shoving and hitting each other. Greensboro Police officers appeared to grab and push people away from the area.
The game ended at halftime and crowds dispersed.
Investigators said all available city and county officials responded to the fight.
Officials said multiple people were removed due to the fight and with more fights happening outside the game as people tried to re-enter.
Almost 1,500 people were in attendance, with 6 Greensboro police officers providing security, according to the Greensboro Police Department.
"If (there is) one word to describe last night, (it's) mayhem. It was just crazy," said Jeremy Reynolds, a Dudley alum who was at the game Friday. "One minute it was a fight over here, then the police were trying to get that one together, get that one situated then probably 15, 20 yards away it would be the next fight starting again."
Reynolds was at the game with his young daughter, her friend, and his mother.
"So it was kind of like I step into that role like I had to be the protector, but at a football game you don't expect to have to be a protector. You expect to go to a game and enjoy yourself," said Reynolds.
In a tweet Friday night, Dudley Athletics wrote, "Panther family, thank you for your patience during the unforeseen circumstances that occurred at tonight's game. We appreciate your cooperation as we worked diligently to keep you safe. Tonight's game was suspended. There's no final score on record at this time."
Reynolds said he doesn't want Friday's incident to reflect poorly on the Dudley community.
"I just don't want people to think every time they get together or they have an event it's going to be negativity because nine times out of 10 it's actually positivity," Reynolds said. "It's just like (..) we are family sometimes families have their flaws and sometimes It's best that we get a hold of those people and nip it in the bud and we let them know that that's not how we are. Just one or two bad apples you can't judge the whole group on that."
Greensboro police said minor injuries were observed among the student body, but no one was evaluated by EMS.
It's not clear whether any charges were filed by police.
Dudley High School's next game is on September 23rd against Atkins.
"No weapons were involved in the fights and we are grateful to our staff and local law enforcement for their swift response," Guilford County Schools wrote in a statement sent to WFMY News 2.
A Guilford County Schools spokesperson said the safety of students, staff, and supporters is a top priority and county officials will continue to explore additional safety measures through the help of law enforcement.
"We are constantly enhancing our emergency and safety protocols," a school spokesperson said. "Currently, there is an investigation underway and proper next steps, which may include disciplinary action, will be taken pending the outcome of the investigation. This incident is not a reflection of our award-winning players and coaches, who are ready for another successful season."
The North Carolina High School Athletic Association said the game could still be resumed and played out if both teams agree.
“We have been in contact with the administration at both schools and will support the administration at each school as they seek to enforce the shared expectation of good sportsmanship so that this contest may be resumed,” a NCHSAA spokesperson said. “It is always our goal to provide a healthy environment for education-based athletic programs free from fighting and unsporting behavior."