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

The Scene: Practice at Wilmington Banning High football field. Friday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. The team was there because the school forfeited the Dorsey game for fear of violence. Practice is on amid swarms of reporters and TV crews.

The Background: This game received national attention when Banning refused to play because of gang-related shootings at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Banning officials met with officials from the district, City Section and police department in an attempt to change the site but instead were granted extra security and a new starting time--2:15 p.m. instead of 8.

With backing from parents and coaches, Banning forfeited.

Another factor in Banning’s decision was a brawl after the schools’ playoff game at Gardena High last year.

A Player’s Perspective: Banning running back Shayzar Hawkins says he never played with any anxiety about violence until last season’s playoff game when Dorsey fans and players rushed the Banning sideline because they were angry about officiating.

The situation got worse last month when there was gunfire at Jackie Robinson Stadium that resulted in the wounding of two students at the Dorsey-Crenshaw game. That is when Hawkins vowed never to play at that stadium, even with an afternoon starting time.

“It was worth it to forfeit the game, and my parents told me not to go,” said Hawkins, who adds that he is not afraid of being caught in cross-fire at other venues.

“I wanted to play a game, but I completely support the coaches’ and the school administration’s decision. It didn’t matter if it was a day game. I felt that the security would have been adequate, but just having all the police there tells you there is a problem.”

Had Banning not decided to forfeit, Hawkins said he would have sat out the game. He had already made his decision not to play when he heard of a shooting of a student near the athletic field at Dorsey High four days before the game.

“That just reinforced my belief about the possibility of danger because of what happened last time we played them,” Hawkins said.

“We aren’t afraid to play Dorsey. I would not mind playing a night game against Dorsey on a Friday anywhere else but Jackie Robinson Stadium.”