UPDATE: GHSA fines Northeast, Southwest $1,500 each after football fight in Macon
Both football programs remain on Severe Warning Status for one year following the August 22 on-field fight.
UPDATE (9/2/25): The Georgia High School Association has fined both Northeast and Southwest High Schools $1,500 each and placed their football programs on “Severe Warning Status” for one year after a fight ended their August 22 game at Thompson Stadium, according to documents from the GHSA.
GHSA Media Relations Director Marvin James said in an email that four Southwest players and three Northeast players were suspended for their role in the fight and sat out games on August 29. James said all seven athletes are now eligible to return to play this week.
The officials’ game report shows that at least seven players from the two teams, along with bench personnel from both sidelines, were ejected for fighting. The incident began in the third quarter after a penalty flag on a Northeast defender for an illegal hit, when members of the Southwest sideline entered the field and were met by Northeast players and coaches.
The game “had been played to that point with a lot of emotion on both sides,” the report said. “Numerous turnovers had occurred. More than two dozen fouls had been called up to that point in Q3.”
According to the report, the confrontation prompted the Bibb County athletic director to join referees on the field and terminate the game.
In letters sent to both schools, GHSA Associate Director for Compliance Carorr Wright wrote that the penalties are in line with GHSA by-laws and warned that any similar violation during the next year could result in “more stringent penalties” against the programs.
UPDATE (8/25/25): The Georgia High School Association says it has launched a review into the on-field fight that ended the Northeast-Southwest football game at Thompson Stadium on Friday night.
“The GHSA is aware of the incident between Northeast and Southwest. There will be a thorough investigation this week after reviewing videos as well as conducting interviews involving the coaches, game officials and administrators,” GHSA Director of Media Relations Marvin James said in an email Monday. “Game day referees and the officials will also be a major part of the investigation. After every game, the official crew turns in a detailed report of everything that transpires during the contest.”
James said it is too early to know if any fines, suspensions or penalties will be assessed. He added that updates should be available early this week.
The Bibb County School District previously said the game was called final in the third quarter following the fight. Northeast was leading 30-8 at the time.
ORIGINAL STORY (8/23/25):
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Northeast-Southwest football game at Thompson Stadium ended in the third quarter Friday night after an on-field fight, the Bibb County School District confirmed in a statement Saturday afternoon.
“The Northeast-Southwest football game at Thompson Stadium on Aug. 22 was terminated in the third quarter following an on-field fight,” the statement said. “Bibb County School District is committed to the safety of its students, employees, officials and spectators, and officials will be reviewing the incident. Any related on-field or off-field actions will be addressed according to District policy, as well as Georgia High School Association guidelines.”
Northeast was leading the rivalry matchup 30-8 when the game was called. See highlights from the game here.
41NBC’s Tucker Sargent was at the game for highlights during the first half and observed multiple personal foul penalties and lengthy game stoppages while officials held discussions.
The district has not released further details about the fight.
41NBC reached out to both team’s coaches about the incident. Both Southwest Head Coach Joe Dupree, and Northeast Head Coach Jeremy Wiggins, declined to comment.
41NBC also reached out to GHSA media relations director Marvin James for comment, but he has not responded as of Saturday afternoon.
