Massive Brawl Ends Redzone MLK Jamboree Before HS Division Title Game Between AZ Dolphins and GATA (NV)

Sunday was the last day of the Redzone 7v7 MLK Jamboree that saw multiple quality teams battling it out for the HS division championship. Unfortunately, though, for the last two teams standing (AZ Dolphins & GATA (NV)), they were unable to hold the trophy after what transpired around 1 p.m. 

After the conclusion of the game versus the Arizona Dolphins and YNGSTAR (CA), multiple players from YNGSTAR rushed over to the opposing sideline and fought a spectator. 

That fight wouldn’t be the only one that took place, as a few more continued to break out in a different area of the complex before it could be brought under control. 

Ultimately, what appeared to be 30+ cop cars from Mesa, Queen Creek, and Gilbert police departments rushed to the scene to get things back in place. 

More information will be available soon, but it is estimated that approximately 150 people were involved in the incident.

Not long after the fights, the rest of the games and tournaments (including a neighboring soccer tournament with no involvement in the incident) would be cancelled by Arizona Athletic Grounds, and the police sent everyone home.

Redzone released a statement shortly after the fight on Zorts:

Dear Participants, Coaches, and Spectators,

We want to provide an important update regarding today’s RZE MLK Jamboree event.

Following direction from the Arizona Metro Police Department and Arizona Athletic Grounds, all remaining games scheduled for today have been removed, and Redzone Elite will not be able to continue play for the remainder of the day.

We understand this is disappointing and appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we follow the guidance provided by the facility and local authorities. The safety and well-being of all participants, families, staff, and spectators remain our top priority.

Redzone Elite will be reviewing next steps and addressing any questions or concerns beginning Monday or Tuesday. If you would like to reach out directly, please email rzelitetournaments@gmail.com, and our team will respond as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and for being part of the Redzone Elite community. 

With that being said, let’s take a look at the games that we did cover on Sunday before the melee occurred. 

AZ Dolphins vs. PTR (AZ)

For the first game of the day, it was between a pair of two Arizona based clubs. 

The Arizona Dolphins, who have been excellent so far this 7’s season, got it going early and scored first. 

Queen Creek '28 QB Sawyer Hales found Arcadia '27 wide receiver Konner Kammes in the back of the end zone for a 20-yard touchdown. 

It looked as though at first we may have had a shootout on our hands as PTR was quick to get a touchdown of their own. 

Coming off a 6A title win just last month, Casteel '27 QB Tee Smith delivered a perfect pass to the middle of the field that led to a touchdown. 

It was then that the Arizona Dolphins would pile on the touchdowns. 

Hales had three more passing touchdowns in the game that included another one to Kammes, one to McClintock '27 athlete Aidan Whitaker, and one to Horizon '27 wide receiver James Klopfenstein. 

The Arizona Dolphins would go on to win the game 29-7 and leave no doubt that they were ready to go on a championship run.

Valley’s Finest vs Flightline (CA)

After having an impressive day one, Valley’s Finest would look to keep it rolling on day two. 

On the first drive of the game for Valley’s Finest, they would score as Red Mountain '28 quarterback Dayne Silver would find ACP '27 wide receiver Dalton Speaks on a quick out route for a touchdown. 

They would soon add to their lead as they went into their bag of tricks on the next drive. 

Silver would hand it off to McClintock '29 quarterback Seaton Lobato, who would then fire a quick pass over to Speaks for a 3-yard touchdown. 

Trying to make it somewhat of a game, Flightline (CA) would finally get on the board with a touchdown and cut Valley’s Finest's lead. 

Valley’s Finest were able to take care of business, though on their last drive, and seal the game. 

Silver would throw his second touchdown pass of the game, this one being to Casteel '27 WR Aaden Tang.

Valley’s Finest would go on to win 21-7 over Flightline after an unsuccessful 2-point conversion attempt.

D1 5 Stars vs. Trillion Boys (CA)

In the quarterfinals, one of the matchups was D1 5 Stars taking on a good California team in Trillion Boys. 

Trillion Boys would strike first as they scored on their opening drive easily. 

D1 5 Stars were able to answer back, though, as Higley '28 quarterback Cayden Schlueter delivered a perfect pass in the corner of the endzone for a touchdown. 

The defense for D1 5 Stars would get a crucial stop and allow the offense to create a substantial lead. 

Throwing another perfect pass was Schlueter, who put the ball on a dime to former Chandler teammate and current Mountain Pointe '28 wide receiver Makai Nelson, who made a great snag for a touchdown. 

Trillion Boys would then come right back down the field and score a 40-yard touchdown to cut D1 5 Stars' lead to just one point. 

Icing the game, however, D1 5 Stars made an incredible play. 

It was once again Schlueter finding Nelson, who made a diving catch for the touchdown. 

D1 5 Stars would win the game 21-13 and move on to the semifinals. 

AZ Dolphins vs. YNGSTAR (CA)

For a chance to be in the championship game, the Arizona Dolphins and YNGSTAR (CA) faced off. 

The Arizona Dolphins would get on the board first with an explosive play. 

Hales would loft a pass near the end zone for Whitaker, who would come down with the ball after catching it in traffic. 

They would then go on to make it a two-possession game as Hales delivered a fastball to Kammes, who would make the catch for the touchdown. 

YNGSTARS would then have a few touchdown drives of their own and even cut the Dolphins' lead to two points. 

YNGSTARS needed to go for a two-point conversion, but it failed as the Arizona Dolphins defensive unit got the stop. 

The Arizona Dolphins would take down YNGSTARS 15-13 and advance to the championship game. 

The AZ Dolphins and GATA (NV) were supposed to have a rematch of last weekend's Pylon Las Vegas championship game, but due to the Mesa PD shutting down the entirety of Arizona Athletic Grounds, the two teams are co-champions of the Redzone MLK Jamboree.