On Saturday, October 11, 2025, a Shawnee 5th-grade football game in Guthrie, Oklahoma, turned into a scene of shocking hostility, leaving parents, coaches, and young athletes shaken.
According to firsthand accounts shared on social media, including a post by Abry Shackelford, the visiting Shawnee team faced harassment and threats from adults on the sidelines, creating an environment described as “evil” by one parent.
Witnesses reported that opposing coaches were verbally abusive, cussing at children, making threats, and even using gang signs during the game, behavior wholly inappropriate for a youth sporting event.
The situation escalated to the point that Shawnee children, their coaches, and parents had to be escorted out of the venue for their own safety.
Yet, even after leaving the field, some adults continued to follow and verbally harass the group.
In her post, Alexa Carolina Rosales recounted her shock and heartbreak, writing,
“What a day 😩🫠 This was a 5th grade football game! These poor kids 😭 I honestly couldn’t believe the extent of this situation. These parents/coaches should be ashamed of themselves… The environment was so evil our kids, coaches & parents had to be escorted out. Even then people proceeded to yell and cuss at our parents, kids & coaches. They followed us out the gate!!!”
Alexas Carolina Rosales
The widespread condemnation from the community highlights the disappointment felt by many who witnessed the events, with commenters expressing frustration over the lack of leadership and sportsmanship.
One anonymous participant criticized the adults’ behavior, noting,
Well that’s why they never went pro. Mad at the kids for doing their best, sad excuse of a man child. As a community we need to celebrate these boys for all their hard work and dedication.
Anonymous Participant 952
The outpouring of support also celebrated the poise of Shawnee’s coaching staff, with BjandWhitney Tiger commending Coach James for remaining a “PEACEMAKER” despite the hostile environment.
The incident garnered the attention of local media, with Abry Shackelford directing readers to coverage by KWTV-News 9, emphasizing the importance of sharing the story so that the unacceptable actions of the new adults do not overshadow the boys’ dedication and love for the game.
As BjandWhitney Tiger emphasized,
Our boys worked hard and should not have to put up with that. #SHAWNEESTRONG #LETTHEMPLAY
BjandWhitney Tiger
Catalytic Converter Club suggested reporting the events to local media, stating,
Send it to the news. I’m sure Guthrie will be proud of this display of sportsmanship.
Catalytic Converter Club
Moreover, on Alexa’s post, Lena Lefort Munoz and Connie Kincaid expressed sadness and sympathy for children, while Mona Bomgardner added,
OMG! That’s crazy. Sorry your team had to experience that.
Mona Bomgardner
Ashley Butler emphasized that the children were there to play the game they love, urging local media to cover the story, and Dallas Rosale mocked the opposing team’s behavior with humor, highlighting the embarrassment.
Royce Rosales offered a reflective comment, noting,
That’s why there is no sports in heaven!, it makes people act like this….you really think Jesus wants this type of behavior going on in heaven? Not a chance. Yeah it does suck but that’s exactly what happens….it creates hate and jealousy
Royce Rosales
