The New Mexico Activities Association has leveled a first strike against the Mayfield High School football team following an ugly on-field incident last week.
During a second-quarter skirmish that initially involved a couple of players from both the Trojans and Organ Mountain on Friday night at the Field of Dreams, approximately two dozen Mayfield players rushed off the sideline and onto the field to join the fray.
Following a multi-day investigation, the NMAA on Wednesday announced that Mayfield, under the organization’s still relatively new “2 Strikes” sportsmanship initiative, would be issued a first strike.
If Mayfield’s football team is involved in any other serious on-field issue the rest of the season and the NMAA deems it “strike” worthy, a second strike would mean the Trojans would have whatever remains of their season cancelled.
Organ Mountain did not receive a strike.
“Following its review … the NMAA determined that Organ Mountain’s involvement did not rise to the level warranting a strike,” the NMAA said in a statement.
Multiple players on both teams were suspended, as expected. But the NMAA did not reveal how many were popped on each side.
Las Cruces Public Schools executive director of athletics Michelle Ronga told the Journal that the district would also not be releasing the number of suspensions, but did say that all of them would be served this week. Mayfield plays Las Cruces on Friday. Organ Mountain plays host to Alamogordo on Saturday afternoon.
The NMAA’s investigation, it said, included a review of written reports, game video and information obtained from both the game officials and Las Cruces school district officials.
All athletes and coaches from Mayfield will have to take “mandatory educational courses addressing sportsmanship,” the NMAA said.
Moreover, the district, and/or Mayfield itself, has the power to tack on additional disciplinary measures. Ronga said “there are some additional measures being taken” but declined to comment on specifics.
The incident in question occurred about midway through the second quarter. Organ Mountain, which won the game 54-15, kicked off to the Trojans, and there were no issues regarding the tackle.
But away from that, a scuffle broke out near midfield. Video from the incident shows many players from Mayfield rushing off the sideline. Organ Mountain coaches are observed ordering their players on the sideline to remain where they are.
James Yodice covers prep sports for the Journal. You can reach him at jyodice@abqjournal.com or via X at @JamesDYodice.