Another instance of dirty play in high school football occurred in New Jersey last week.
During last Friday’s game between Linden High School and Immaculata High School, a Linden defensive lineman pulled the helmet from an opposing offensive lineman while taking him to the ground during the play. The Linden player then swung the helmet, hitting the Immaculata player in the head with his own helmet.
The Immaculata player involved wasn’t seriously hurt, but he did require stitches after the game. He was taken to Morristown Memorial Hospital after the game.
The Linden lineman was flagged for a personal foul after the play, but wasn’t ejected from the game.
Related: Texas HS Football Players Suspended After Decking Ref
“When I saw the video, I contacted the NJSIAA and Steve Yesinko, the Linden athletic director,” said Immaculata athletic director Tom Gambino said. “And I just wanted to say that the athletic director and coach have been very cooperative, very apologetic.”
The two schools have been working together to resolve the matter.
Gambino said that video of the play was shared with the Linden police department, the Mid-State 38 and the NJSIAA. Linden police Capt. James Sarnicki confirmed that the police are reviewing the tape.
The district is still investigating the incident, and punishment for the Linden player has not yet been determined.
“Everything is still under investigation,” Yesinko said. “The principal, myself, vice principals, we’re all working together to rectify this. We’ve apologized to Immaculata, and it’s being handled.”
