Sonora Suspends Four Starters for Their Part in Brawl

Ken Stichter, Sonora High School principal, has suspended four players involved in a bench-clearing brawl with Brea-Olinda last Thursday, and announced that the players will not suit up for the Raiders’ nonleague game against Gahr on Friday night.

Officials stopped Brea’s 20-10 victory over Sonora with 1:08 remaining after three consecutive personal fouls against both teams. A fight then erupted and both benches cleared.

Fearing retaliation, principals from both schools agreed to cancel Friday’s junior varsity game between the schools.

“For the most part, our kids behaved pretty well,” Sonora Coach Larry Allen said. “We had two players leave the sideline and two others involved in the fight. Unfortunately, they won’t be playing this week, and all four are starters for us.”

Allen said the suspended players, whom he would not identify, will be allowed to practice with the team this week, but will not suit up for Friday’s game. He anticipates the players being reinstated next week.

Gary Goff, Brea-Olinda co-principal, said no decision has been made to discipline any of the school’s players.