HS Football Coaches Fired After Hazing Incident Reported

BEL AIR, MD — Four high school football coaches have been fired after officials learned about what's being called a hazing incident that happened Sept. 10 involving members of the football team.

According to WKRC, the incident happened at Harford Technical High School. School officials temporarily halted the football team's season, including canceling practices and the forfeiture of the Sept. 11 game against Elkton. Football activities have since resumed.

The Harford County Sheriff's Office and Child Protective Services launched an investigation the incident. Erin Mock, principal of Harford Tech, informed parents via email about the situation, stating:

I want our families to know that we take every incident very seriously and are conducting a thorough investigation.

Because it is an active investigation, details have not been disclosed, but a parent of a player who asked to remain anonymous, told WKRC that there are videos of the incident and only involved a few players.

The Harford County School District did not comment on the specifics of the incident or whether it happened on school property. They stated:

H-C-P-S continues to investigate the individuals involved in the incident, along with law enforcement and Child Protective Services. Appropriate disciplinary action is being taken.

Harford Tech resumed play last week in a game against Edgewood, which they lost 47 to 7. Interim coach Ryan Hunt told The Baltimore Sun that the kids returning to the football field was what everyone needed.

Blake Elliott, 16, a junior at C. Milton Wright, was killed in a car crash Sept. 18 in Bel Air and her boyfriend, 17-year-old Zach Griffin, was critically injured, Patch reported previously. While they were waiting to make a left turn onto Crescent Knoll Drive, they were rear-ended by another car, pushing them into the path of an oncoming school bus.

“With everything that’s going on, it has been extremely tough for us in this program,” Hunt said. “The kids, by them coming out on the field tonight, they saved the reputation and the culture of Harford Tech football.”

Hunt was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on his father's staff for the past four seasons and now will continue to function as head coach for the remainder of the football season.

“I was made the scapegoat by the school after 9 years,” Brad Hunt said in a text message to The Aegis on Wednesday. “I’ll bite my tongue and take the high road.”

The Baltimore Sun reported that Harford Tech was noticeably without senior quarterback and team captain Stephen Kelley, who was one of six players listed on the Harford Tech roster not in uniform Friday. Hunt declined to answer a question regarding the reason for the absences.