Scott Ryan, principal of Port Neches-Groves High School, issued a statement of apology after someone shot a flare from the PN-G side of Friday’s football game toward the Nederland side.

The incident happened toward the end of the game and the flare or bottle rocket soared some 50 or 60 yards over the field and landed near a woman in a lawn chair.

Friday’s game was the Bum Phillips Bowl, the biggest game of the season for the two schools who have a historic rivalry.

“I would like to sincerely apologize to Nederland High School, the City of Nederland, Nederland Independent School District and especially the students of Nederland ISD for the behavior of some of our students during last night’s installation of Mid County Madness,” Ryan said his letter.

The Nederland Police Department referred requests for comments to the school districts.

Ryan did not name the student who shot the flare, if he or she is known, but he did say the flare came from the student section of fan seating. In addition, he indicated the district does have some idea of who is responsible for the incident because he promised disciplinary measures will follow.

“The regrettable behavior of a few students last night is being discussed at the same time as the great game, and this is unfortunate,” he said. “Though I cannot talk about student discipline, I can assure you that we will administer discipline according to Texas Education Code Chapter 37 and the PNGISD Student Code of Conduct.”

Ryan added that the district would be reviewing its own policies for student seating. He also admitted the district has been slack on keeping an eye on its students.

“As a staff, we will re-evaluate our standards and expectations for student behavior at Mid County Madness, along with other games. We have not done a great job of monitoring the student section, and for that I take personal responsibility,” said.

Ryan added that he and his staff will review policies this week.