JOURNAL SPORTS

Green Oaks prevailed 12-6 in overtime over Southwood Thursday night in the season opener for both teams at Northwood’s Jerry Burton Stadium, but unfortunately the game will likely be most noteworthy for what happened between plays in the extra period.

A defensive battle turned into a real fight as players from Greek Oaks and Southwood went to overtime tied at 6, then scuffled on the field. Video in a live stream on Facebook by Mr. Coach Wilson Sports showed lots of Green Oaks players and a few Southwood players leaving the sideline as trouble erupted, and a couple of punches appeared to be thrown in the melee.

Referees conferred for about 15 minutes with coaches and administrators from both teams after the incident. LHSAA rules outline suspensions for players and team personnel leaving the sideline or bench area to participate in an altercation, which does not bode well for Green Oaks for next week’s home game against Carroll. There appeared to be at least one Green Oaks player ejected by officials.

In overtime, Southwood suffered an interception before Green Oaks scored the game-winner in an unlikely manner. The Giants faced a fourth down from the 25, but a pass interference flag gave them a new set of downs and quarterback Tovoras Lee tossed a walk-off 12-yard touchdown to end the contest.

Coaches from both teams were not available late Thursday night.