Parking Lot Fights Suspend Norristown-Upper Merion HS Football Game

NORRISTOWN, PA — A massive brawl in the parking lot during halftime led to the suspension of a football game between Norristown and Upper Merion high schools on Thursday night, school officials and police said.

The incident occurred during the "Battle of the Bridge" contest between the long-standing rivals, which was held at Norristown's stadium.

In a statement, the Norristown Area School District said the first half went off without a hitch, but fans became unruly during the intermission.

It's not clear exactly what sparked the incident, but dozens of teenagers were involved in the fighting, and numerous individuals were hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the fighting.

Several others were arrested.

A massive police response descended on the stadium and surrounding area, putting a dark damper on what had started as a festive and celebratory environment.

"We want to emphasize that these incidents were not as a result of any conflict between Norristown Area High School and Upper Merion High School," Norristown Superintendent Christopher Dormer said. "Both schools share a commitment to sportsmanship and respect, and the actions of a few individuals do not reflect the values of our student-athletes and supporters."

The second half of the game will be resumed at 10 a.m. on Saturday without any spectators, officials said.