Several fights break out following Magnolia-Nashville football game

This screengrab from Panthers TV shows the early stage of an altercation during Friday’s Magnolia-Nashville football game.

MAGNOLIA – A large brawl broke out on the field Friday night, August 29, 2025 after the end of the Magnolia-Nashville football game.

Magnolia won the game 30-6 in the non-conference season opener for both teams.

Emotions that burst forth during the post-game fight may have originated during the game.

Nashville drew three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the first half – twice while on offense and once on defense. But late in the fourth quarter game, Magnolia drew a roughing-the-passer foul, and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after its final touchdown.

Panthers TV video depicted some of the post-game action. The post-game handshake line appeared to be going smoothly. One Magnolia player celebrated with a double back flip. Magnolia coach Adam Kirby had begun to collect his team at midfield for a post-game talk.

Then, several things happen at once. A Magnolia coach can be seen attempting to separate two Panthers from a group of Scrappers. A Nashville coach rushed into the fray. Scrappers from the sideline and Panthers already on the field streamed toward the trouble, while other players and coaches attempted to serve as peacemakers. At that point, the Panthers TV video ended.

More action was picked up by a cameraman from Texarkana-Shreveport television station KTAL. Some Magnolia teammates pulled another away from a fight. Players from Magnolia and Nashville rolled around fighting on the stadium’s new grass surface, while Magnolia and Nashville coaches tried to pull them apart. Other fights could be seen in the background although the constant motion and speed of the action made it difficult to identify individuals.

Several fights were visible from the press box. In one instance, one man laid atop another with his back to the ground, as the man on the ground fiercely struggled to throw him off.

The fight lasted for about two minutes as officials from both schools and law enforcement scrambled onto the field. Coaches and players worked to herd their respective teams away from the fighting.

Kirby, in a post-game interview with the television station, said, “I’m not saying our kids are angels – their kids, too — but our kids weren’t hitting people after the game. You had the whole game to hit somebody.

“I don’t see that this has a place in high school football where if a kid is walking off the field and he’s not even paying attention and he gets punched in the back of the head,” Kirby said.

Kirby said a Nashville player used a helmet to strike a Magnolia player on the back of his head, causing a large cut and possibly a concussion.

Magnolia Police Chief Todd Dew said Friday night that the fight is being investigated but that no arrests have been made.

The game’s referees had already left the field before fight broke out.

magnoliareporter.com has attempted to reach Nashville school officials for comment.

Fights at Arkansas high school football games can have serious consequences under Arkansas Activities Association rules. AAA rules provide for the review of videos of fights determine involvement.

Participation in a football game fight by coaches, administrators or spectators can lead to suspension from the next game.

The penalty for fighting by players is automatic disqualification from the next game.

Adults who engage in fighting at a football game can be charged with assault.

Mike McNeill, publisher and editor

Magnolia Reporter

magnoliareporter.com