EAC survives game, brawl in Yuma
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When the Eastern Arizona College traveled to Yuma to play Arizona Western College on Saturday, the Gila Monsters were only concerned about winning a game. Before the night was over, some players also had to worry about their safety.
The game was called by the officials with 9:55 remaining in the fourth quarter due to a brawl and two incidents when the Arizona Western players left the sideline and rushed the field.
Eastern was up 36-17, and that was the final score. Unofficially, four Matadors and two Monsters were ejected before the referees decided enough was enough.
It’s unclear what started the fighting, but one Arizona Western player swung his helmet at Eastern defensive lineman Marquise Slocum and hit him in the face.
An article in the Yuma Sun speculated that three of the four Matadors who were ejected included Jacob Feagai, Jamaine Sher-man and Charles Stevens.
“It’s embarrassing. This is embarrassing as all hell,” AWC coach Tom Minnick told the Sun. “I’ve never went through this in my life. Never.”
EAC coach John O’Mera was also quoted in the story and said, “I don’t really know what happened. I just know that we definitely controlled our sideline, and they couldn’t keep their kids off the field.”
The names of the two Monsters players who were ejected were not released in the story, but they are believed to be Slocum and linebacker Ricky Moore.
Lee Patterson, play-by-play announcer for KATO Radio, called the game in person Saturday in Yuma. He said the Eastern players didn’t instigate any of the fighting, nor did any Monsters players leave the sideline at any time during or after the brawl.
Patterson didn’t understand why Slocum or Moore were ejected from the game. He said Slocum was only defending himself from an attack, while Moore merely slammed his helmet on the ground in frustration.
As for the game, EAC struggled in the first half on offense but only trailed 10-9 at the half.
Monsters quarterback Tony Reid connected on a pass to running back T.J. White for a 40-yard score early in the third quarter. Running back Mike Love scored on a 3-yard run, and defensive end Ronald Robinson returned an interception 35 yards for a touchdown to break open the game at 29-10.
Reid had 68 yards rushing and finished as the top rusher in the WSFL with 1,238 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Editor’s note: EAC head coach John O’Mera and EAC athletic director Jim Bagnall could not be reached for comment on the fight. Check Sunday’s Courier for an update.
