Palmdale’s Wilson May Face Prosecution

Criminal charges are likely to be filed this week against Palmdale High football player Darius Wilson after he tackled an official during a game against Saugus on Friday night at College of the Canyons, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman said.

Wilson, 18, was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery Friday night after a bench-clearing melee forced officials to suspend the scoreless game midway through the fourth quarter. Wilson was released on his own recognizance.

The case will be presented to the Newhall district attorney, according to Lt. Marvin Dixon of the Santa Clarita Valley sheriff’s substation. “I anticipate charges to be filed Monday or Tuesday,” Dixon said.

Southern Section officials will review the incident before determining the outcome of the Golden League game, according to Saugus Coach Dick Flaherty. Flaherty contended that Saugus should be awarded a victory by forfeit but said he will rely on school administrators to pursue the matter.

“I’m not interested in a suspended game,” Flaherty said. “And I’m not interested in a letting-bygones-be-bygones tie. I think a statement should be made that will get the message across.”

Witnesses said that Wilson, a 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior, grabbed back judge Bradley Woolley and threw him to the ground after Palmdale was charged with three consecutive penalties with 7:40 to play. A second official was struck by Palmdale’s Mike Warren but no arrest was made, Dixon said.

“I had my back turned and I heard him say, ‘I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you!’ ” Woolley, 31, said. “The next thing I knew, I had my head on the ground and he was punching me.”

Woolley said that he will consider filing civil charges against Wilson. “I’m not sure what my options are,” he said. “I just believe that something should be done. This can’t happen again.”

Palmdale Principal Linda Janzen said that disciplinary action will be taken against Wilson, a starter as a wide receiver and defensive back.

“Consequences will follow and the young man is aware of that,” Janzen said. “What kind of action will be taken, we don’t know yet.”

Janzen said that Wilson might be suspended or expelled from school, or simply suspended from athletic competition. Janzen drove Wilson home after his release.

“It was an emotional moment for the young man,” Janzen said. “As far as I know him, this was totally out of character for him. He is a good student. He was remorseful, humble, polite. He didn’t want to talk about it at the time.”

After Palmdale had been assessed 15 yards for a personal foul on a Saugus punt, two more 15-yard penalties followed after members of Palmdale’s bench allegedly directed remarks toward officials.

Neither Wilson nor Kent Bothwell, Palmdale’s first-year coach, could be reached for comment.

Palmdale, a preseason favorite to contend for the league championship, entered the league opener with a 1-4 record. Saugus (3-2) had been outgained, 220 yards to 30, but did not allow the Falcons to penetrate inside its 20-yard line.

“Apparently, there was a lot of tension between players,” Janzen said. “There is a lot of pressure on this team. They obviously want a good season.”