Rivalry marred by two ugly brawls last season
SAGINAW -- Tonight is the big showdown in Saginaw, Arthur hill plays Saginaw high in boy's basketball for the first time this season. The rivalry erupted in violence twice last season prompting a change in venue this time around. Its one of the biggest games of the year and so far just about everyone is already picking a side.
One Trojan fan says, "Beat the Hill tonight, go Saginaw high."
A Lumberjack fan on the other side of town say, "Go Arthur Hill."
It supposed to be good spirited fun, but that was not the case back in January in fact it happened twice both at Saginaw Valley State University.
First, a brawl broke out with nearly 35-hundred people watching. A 17 and 21-year-old were arrested, three high schoolers suspended. Later that same month, another brawl also caught on tape. This time it happened late in the 4th quarter. It was so bad police considered pressing charges.
Lt. David Kendziorski says, " We are going to have officers to the game tonight."
This time around Saginaw police are taking no chances. With the venue changed to Arthur hill, they will be working with Saginaw public schools security. There will be six Saginaw officers in and outside the gym.
Lt. Kendziorski continues, " We're always concerned about security especially for schools and the various events."
The officers will have a zero tolerance policy. They'll also have help from POPS or Parishioners On Patrol, they too will be helping with security trying to prevent more Youtube moments.
