Police said the incident leading to the arrest of 18-year-old Branden Diaz didn't happen on the field, where a brawl broke out after a Hackensack flag-bearer who ran to midfield to plant a Comets' flag was walloped by a Highwaymen player.
A last-ditch Teaneck Hail Mary pass had just fallen short in Hackensack's 19-18 comeback win, video posted by Nj.com shows.
It took a few minutes to restore order after players, coaches and fans got involved. Some punches were thrown, but no injuries were reported.
The incident leading to the arrest occurred on Elizabeth Avenue, where Hackensack's buses were parked, Police Chief Glenn M. O'Reilly said.
Backups officers responding to what had been the brawl on the field spotted a scuffle, separated those involved, then took Diaz into custody for injuring a juvenile during the fracas, he said.
Diaz was charged with assault and released pending a court hearing, the chief said.
Hackensack was down 18-6 with a little over three minutes left in the game before mounting a furious comeback. The game winner came on a touchdown pass with three minutes left.Click here to follow Daily Voice South Passaic and receive free news updates.