EUCLID, Ohio — On the day before their scheduled homecoming football game, Euclid High School officials have instead decided to move Friday night's matchup on the road to Brunswick following unspecified "inappropriate and inexcusable behavior on and off our campus" among a select number of students.
In a statement posted Thursday afternoon, administrators said they had contemplated playing the game at home on Saturday morning, without fans, or even canceling it altogether before Brunswick eventually agreed to host the contest at Brunswick Auto Mart Stadium. Prior to the announcement, Thursday's homecoming parade from Milton Road to Euclid Community Stadium was also canceled.
"Unfortunately, just enough of our students have made us uncomfortable hosting the positive school events that the majority of our students want and deserve," the statement read.
While officials did not expressly say what these students are accused of, the statement alluded to "fighting, violence, and other violations of the Student Code of Conduct." The Euclid Police Department is currently investigating these matters.
"We will hold those responsible who have ruined Homecoming Week for the majority of students who wish for nothing more than a positive, enjoyable, and safe high school experience," the school continued.
The developments echo a similar incident from September of 2021, when multiple fights broke out in the stands and elsewhere during a packed Panthers home game against Cleveland Heights. Police used pepper spray to break up the altercations and someone even fired a gun in the parking lot, but no one was seriously injured.
Following the brawl, the Euclid City School District changed its protocols to only allow students from the two participating schools in attendance at games, with student IDs visible at all times. There was also a renewed emphasis on pre-paid tickets, rather than walk-up sales.
Officials say any presale tickets will be honored at the gate in Brunswick, where the 1-5 Panthers will face the 0-6 Blue Devils. The status of Saturday's homecoming dance has not been made public.