Fear on Friday Night : A look at how violence has affected high school football games in the Southland.

The Scene: Santa Ana Mater Dei vs. Loyola at Glendale High, Saturday, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m. Estimated attendance: 6,500. Security: 20 Glendale District security and 10 faculty.

The Background: Last year, Mater Dei upset Loyola in a hard-hitting game, 3-0.

Afterward, Mater Dei running back Derek Sparks and his uncle, Leland Sparks, celebrated with an impromptu dance that angered some Loyola coaches. Words were exchanged and later school officials met to clear the air.

“It was an unfortunate incident, and I think both sides were a little embarrassed,” Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson said. “We were determined not to let something like that happen again.”

Jon Dawson, Loyola’s athletic director and defensive coordinator, said no extra security was hired for this year’s game: “What happened last year, happened last year.”

A Coach’s Perspective: Mater Dei Coach Bruce Rollinson anticipated an emotional rematch after last season’s bitter exchange.

“I knew they were going to be up for us, but last year’s game wasn’t a factor,” Rollinson said. “They may have used that (incident), but the bottom line was they needed a critical league win.

“Most of my players didn’t even know what happened last year. Most didn’t even know Derek (now at Washington State). They might have passed him in the hallway, but they never knew him.”

The game drew a larger-than-normal crowd, but Loyola was prepared. Tickets were sold at each school during the week, and game-night ticket booths at Glendale High were on both sides of the field to keep opposing fans apart.

In this game, there were no incidents.

As for what he would do if he were at Banning, Rollinson said: “To be honest, I’d have to adhere to the wishes of my administration in a situation like that. I would hope to have some input and all possibilities were explored before forfeiting the game. It’s unfortunate that gangbangers are in control. In the end, it’s the kids who suffer.”

As it is, Mater Dei doesn’t play inner-city schools often.

“We played L.A. Jordan in 1989 (at Santa Ana) to fill our bye week,” Rollinson said. “I didn’t know what to expect. We found playing Jordan a good experience. They were well coached, well behaved but outmanned. There was never a problem.”