Patriots Roll To Playoff Win In Wake Of Assault Charges

Senior wide receiver Andrew Monaghan helped defeat Vernon Friday night 48-0 in the first round of the state football playoffs.

District officials ruled Friday that Monaghan, a team captain, and eight other students could play in the game despite being charged with aggravated assault stemming from an alleged attack against two Wayne Valley High School students.

Coaches and players for Wayne Hills did not speak to reporters after the game.

Balloons with “Go Hills” swayed in the wind, while signs with messages of encouragement to the players hung from the front row of the bleachers.

Parents showed their support despite . said that the players beat up two Wayne Valley High School students on Oct. 29.

“Nothing was proven in a court of law yet so the kids should be allowed to play,” one fan said.

Other fans were not as supportive.

“They absolutely should not have been allowed to play tonight,” another fan said who did not want her name used. “It’s a disgrace they are allowed on the field tonight.”

Interim Superintendent Michael Roth in the game because they had not yet been proven guilty and did not want to be “judge and jury.” Roth cited a court decision that states school districts cannot prevent a student from participating in extracurricular activities because of an incident that occurs outside of school.