Fights cause panic at Wayne State high school football game

DETROIT - Brother Rice and Cass Tech were deadlocked in a 12-12 tie during their game at Wayne State University over the weekend when the play stopped, and safety became the issue.

Fights broke out near the entrance of the football stadium in the middle of the third quarter. Fans fled towards the north end of the stadium, knocking over fences. Two people were taken into police custody. Detroit Police say no one was shot, but would not confirm if a gun was flashed.

Shouting came from the entrance, suggesting gunfire caused the melee. As the chaos broke out, the Cass Tech players immediately hit the ground and the Brother Rice players ran towards the far sideline, near their bench. They too laid on the ground as police attempted to control the situation.

Play resumed minutes after the scene was contained, but no more than five minutes later, more fans came screaming from underneath the stadium's main bleachers.

Those on the scene cited a "drunken display" caused a man to be handcuffed and taken away, but soon after DPD took more action. Any fan not in the stands under 18 years of age had to leave the stadium premises immediately.

The game was part of the Detroit Sports Commission Prep Kickoff Classic. The Technicians and Warriors were part of the marquee game, as both won state titles in 2011. The game was supposed to start at 7:30 p.m. but was delayed until 8:15 because of the games leading up to it.

Cass Tech beat Brother Rice 25-18.

This was the first year the annual two-day Kickoff Classic was held in Detroit. Years prior, it was held in Ypsilanti at Eastern Michigan University.