What started off as a pivotal Class 3A-District 8 match up ended early in a out-of-control game between Gulf and Fivay, just a week and half before the district tournament.

Though the game ended in a 0-0 tie, Buccaneers and Falcons players had to be separated at the end when a fight broke out near the stands that had fans rush the field. In all, four Gulf players received red cards as did a Fivay player. After Gulf’s Travis Jehs was taken down by a Fivay player, tempers flared as three Buccaneers ran to the fight after Jehs began to shove and Fivay’s Courtland Harrison related by throwing a punch.

“I think it was just the pressure of the game as both teams were going for the first seed in the district tournament,” Falcons coach Eric Kruck said. “They both want to be on top and the frustration got to both teams, just not being able to score. I don’t think it had to do with anything coming into the game — just the heat of the battle.”

Gulf coach Steve Emerson could not be immediately reached for comment.

To make matters worse, Fivay keeper Brandon Taylor suffered a serious injury earlier in the game after taking a shot off the head and face that resulted in a spinal contusion and a trip to the hospital. While being attended to at the game Tuesday night, Taylor said he had no feeling in his hands and legs after being knocked unconscious.

Kruck said Wednesday morning that Taylor, while still at the hospital, has had feeling return to his legs and hands, but still has bad back pain. More than likely, Taylor will be out the remainder of the season, with back-up keeper, sophomore Tyler Phillips, taking over in the net.

After the draw, Fivay is now 8-1-2 in the district, while Gulf will be 7-2-1 with each having a district game remaining on the schedule. Fivay plays Anclote and Gulf has River Ridge, though even if both teams win, the Falcons would still get the No. 1 district seeding.

“That still doesn’t matter because you’ve still got the district tournament,” Kruck said. “You’ve still got to the play the tournament because things, ultimately, start all over there.”

However, both teams are looking at several suspensions, but Gulf’s may be more severe since the athletic program is currently on probation to due recruiting violations involving the football and track and field teams. While Gulf would expect suspensions with several-game punishments, it may be longer due to those previous violations. Fivay was in a similar situation last year when a soccer player was ejected and got a 10-game suspension, which was longer than usual because a football player had been ejected earlier in the year.

“I still expect my guy (Harrison) to get quite a few games,” Kruck added.

Correspondent Mike Camunas can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter @MikeCamunasTrib.

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