Section V Disqualifies Two Rochester Schools After Class B Playoff Brawl
DATELINE: ROCHESTER, N.Y. | November 8, 2026
PRIMARY SOURCE: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Section V athletics executive officials have disqualified East High School/World of Inquiry and Monroe High School from the Class B football tournament following a post-game brawl on Saturday, November 7, 2026. The decision removes both Rochester City School District programs from the postseason and strips East of the benefit of its semifinal victory.
The disciplinary action followed East’s 14-6 victory over Monroe, the defending 2025 state champion and tournament’s top seed. East secured the result when its defense stopped a Monroe ballcarrier on the final play.
The competitive outcome initially marked an upset for East, but the subsequent confrontation led Section V to eliminate both participants.
How the Brawl Unfolded
The physical altercation broke out directly after the game’s final play. The confrontation stretched from one 30-yard line to the other, turning the semifinal’s conclusion into a widespread on-field disturbance.
Video footage showed players from both schools throwing punches and wrestling opponents to the ground. Rochester City School District personnel, coaches and game officials repeatedly pulled athletes from multi-player piles, while further fights broke out across the field.
Spectator groups and fans breached stadium security barriers and entered the field. The involvement of spectators expanded the confrontation beyond the competing teams, while school district personnel and coaches attempted to separate players involved in the fighting.
Section V’s Disqualification Decision
The governing athletic body, Section V Athletics, subsequently notified both schools of their disqualification from the Class B tournament.
The decision affected the two programs differently in competitive terms. East had secured its place in the next round through its semifinal performance, while Monroe entered the matchup as the defending state champion and top seed.
Both teams lost their opportunity to continue competing for the Section V Class B title.
The ruling also places the incident within the governing body’s postseason disciplinary process. The disqualification applies to both participating schools rather than allowing the semifinal winner to advance on the basis of the final score.
Impact on the Playoff Bracket
East’s elimination means its semifinal victory cannot carry the program into the next round. Monroe also loses its opportunity to defend the 2025 state championship after entering the semifinal as the top seed.
Section V’s subsequent championship arrangements and any revised tournament schedule remain unannounced. Individual player disciplinary outcomes and the Rochester City School District’s separate response have also not been established.
