Five Darien High School football players believed to have vandalized New Canaan High School will not play in Thursday’s Turkey Bowl or any game for the rest of the season, Darien Athletic Director John Keleher said.
According to a source close to the matter, the players include two starters and a backup.
New Canaan Police identified the students Wednesday morning, and have not released their names.
“We have identified the people responsible and they have been disciplined athletically and by the school. The individuals will not be playing football for Darien this year,” Keleher said.
Attorney Mark Sherman, of Stamford, is representing two of the five suspects in the case. He said his two clients are 15 and 17 years old.
“These are good kids who a took a high school prank too far,” Sherman said. “They intend on doing whatever it takes to make amends.”
According to police, officers responded to New Canaan High School at 6:37 a.m. Wednesday on a report of vandalism. Several areas on the exterior of the high school building were painted with blue spray paint. The building at the entrance to Dunning Field was also spray painted. The NC symbol on the outside clock was painted blue and “Wave” was painted above the clock.
Police worked with school officials from Darien and New Canaan to identify the five suspects.
The investigation is continuing and arrest warrants will be sought for those responsible for the vandalism, police said.
NCHS Athletic Director Jay Egan said he was pleased with how quickly Darien High School resolved the situation.
“Darien High School officials did extraordinary work in identifying the five students responsible for all the painting,” Egan said. “They will find appropriate disciplinary actions for the boys. New Canaan and Darien are great rivals. It is as good a rivalry as you can find but we also have a great mutual respect for each other.”
New Canaan Principal Tony Pavia echoed Egan’s statements.
“I really commend the Darien school officials,” Pavia said. “This is not a reflection on the school or the student body. Sometimes we can’t control what a handful of bad apples do.”
The Blue Wave, which won the FCIAC championship Friday night, is 10-0 and looking to secure a home game in the CIAC Class L Tournament. New Canaan (8-1) needs a win tomorrow to qualify for the state playoffs
Efforts to reach Darien football coach Rob Trifone were unsuccessful. New Canaan coach Lou Marinelli declined to comment.
Staff Writer Dave Ruden contributed to this story.