The projected playoff push for the Blanche Ely football team hit an unexpected hurdle on Saturday as its game against host Dillard was ruled a no-contest following a commotion that started near the stands behind the Tigers’ bench.
The 52nd annual Soul Bowl game was halted with 7:49 remaining in the third quarter with Blanche Ely (8-0) leading 9-7. Dillard (6-3) had the ball on their own 41-yard line on a 3-yard run by Chris Johnson and was preparing to run its next play when fans started running near the Blanche Ely stands.
The football teams ran to opposite end zones and both bands, who had just finished their halftime shows and had cleared the field, were told to hit the ground as police raced towards the chaos.
About 15 minutes later, as officials huddled at midfield with coaches, police and members of the Broward County Athletic Association to discuss the options, a second wave of fans ran in front of both stands. Game officials left the field and Ely’s team boarded buses leaving administrators from both schools to sort out the situation. Ultimately the game was ruled a no-contest.
