Deshler High School is facing intense public scrutiny following a series of violent incidents involving its football program, raising questions about school leadership, athletic oversight, and student safety.
The latest incident, captured on video, shows a student being bear-hugged, lifted, and slammed to the ground, a move similar to the attack that left August Borden with severe skull and facial fractures earlier this year.
The new footage reportedly shows a student being choked while others shouted encouragement, recording the attack on their phones.
According to witnesses, no adult was present to intervene.
Following the altercation, multiple students said that coaches confiscated phones and deleted videos, allegedly erasing critical evidence before parents could be informed.
Brenda Walker, a concerned community member, spoke out on social media about the ongoing violence. She wrote,
“To the Deshler staff, SHAME ON YOU for caring more about a football team than a kid that almost lost his life on your school grounds. You have policies that you are supposed to follow, and you lied and covered everything up. What if this was your child?”
Brenda Walker
Walker’s post sparked widespread discussion. One commenter, identifying as an anonymous participant, suggested immediate action against school leadership:
JUSTICE FOR AUGUST- start off with TERMINATING THE PRINCIPAL AND FOOTBALL COACH. THEN PEOPLE WILL SING LIKE CANARIES.
Anonymous Participant 167
The August Borden incident occurred earlier this year when Borden, a younger student, suffered devastating injuries after being attacked by a football player during a school event.
Experts reviewing the recent video noted an almost identical mechanism of injury, raising concerns that school staff failed to address a culture of violence within the team.
Several social media users expressed outrage over the lack of accountability. Carolyn Smelser commented,
I saw it too! I thank the Lord I don’t have any kids playing sports at Deshler! I would be in fear for their life every day
Carolyn Smelser
Another commenter, Linda A. Latham stated,
Sounds to me like he was JEALOUS of August’s talent and ability! He was afraid August was gonna take the spotlight off of him! He should be banned from sports, period!!! I don’t care who his parents or grandparents are! And all of the administration fired!!!
Linda A. Latham
Questions about the quarterback’s role in the latest incident have also arisen. Valerie Nagle Tittle asked,
QUESTION?? Is QB Price in the room watching, cheering, laughing? Just curious if he was present and did not try to break it up? Seems they did not learn anything from August Borden incident!!
Valerie Nagle
Former football player Joe Alexander also talked about the importance of leadership on school teams. He said,
This Joe Alexander. I played football years ago. We were brothers, and I consider those teammates my brothers even today. Someone stated, coach said his team, they are like brothers. Coach, do you think August, or the kid in the video felt like their brother was joking. These are seniors, bullying smaller kids. The leadership of that football team is supposed to help those, protect those, teach those younger kids. To install leadership qualities for the future of your program. Your future is over. I find it outrageous that any law enforcement agency hasn’t intervened yet, and appalled they have not. Not only are the younger kids in danger, what happens when one of these younger kids comes back for revenge. They cant beat the older kid up. T
Joe Alexander
Alexander also criticized local authorities, alleging that law enforcement and school boards have ignored clear evidence of repeated misconduct.
The Deshler community is increasingly frustrated with what many describe as systemic negligence.
Susie Pounders, a parent, warned,
Oh yall wouldnt want to know what would happen if it was my Son or Grandson
Susie Pounders
Others emphasized the moral responsibility of administrators and coaches, with Marsha Cole noting,
Brenda Walker I absolutely agree with you.But when it comes to the Price Boy and his parents. Some people don’t have a conscience.If they did we would have answers ,instead of the coverup.I must say that it’s a shame that something like this had to happen to bring awareness to the corruption that exists in Tuscumbia. Somebody is going to pay the price,and rightly so. Justice for August!
Marsha Cole
According to Truth Recon, which analyzed the new footage, “This isn’t brotherhood. It’s rot. This isn’t leadership. It’s negligence. Even with the entire country watching, these coaches still can’t control their team.”
Federal regulations under FERPA grant parents the right to access records and evidence related to their children’s safety.
Allegedly deleting or concealing videos may violate both federal law and state-mandated reporting obligations.
With two serious incidents in less than three months, the Deshler High School football program faces intense pressure to restore accountability, safeguard students, and repair public trust.
Social media hashtags like #JusticeForAugust continue to gain traction, reflecting widespread frustration and concern for the safety of younger students.
