(10-31-23) It appears that Harlem (Illinois) Head Football Coach has been fired after his team was involved in a brawl in a 7A opening round football playoff game.

Rockford Register-Star – Harlem dismisses football coach one year after reaching playoff quarterfinals for first time

A change.org petition says –

Coach Moynihan, fondly known as Coach Mo, along with his dedicated team of coaches have been the backbone of our football team in Machesney Park, IL. They have endured countless challenges and overcome numerous obstacles to provide us with what we want and need. More than just coaches, they serve as mentors to our team.

Their dedication is not limited to the field; it extends beyond it into shaping us into responsible individuals. Their tireless efforts have positively impacted many lives over the years. The removal of Coach Mo from his position threatens this positive influence on our community.

We believe that retaining Coach Mo is vital for maintaining the morale and performance of our football team. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding us both on and off the field.

We urge you to reconsider any decision that removes him from his position. Let’s keep Coach Mo where he belongs – leading, mentoring, and inspiring us every day on the football field.

Harlem lost to Glenbard East on Friday 24-0. The game would end a minute early when a Harlem player charged across the line of scrimmage to taking a knee and tackled the Glenbard East quarterback.

The incident had Harlem players skirmishing with fans…after the Harlem players left the field they ransacked the visitor’s locker room.

The brawl looks to have Harlem Coach Bob Moynihan his job.

Statement sent to parents from Harlem High School principal Jeremy Bois

We have to do better. We will own our mistakes, and I will be as open and transparent as I ethically and legally can be. This conduct was abhorrent and contrary to everything we stand for as a community, school, and athletic program. We will take swift and appropriate action with everyone involved. We will do all we can with our opposing school to do whatever we can to right these wrongs.

High school athletics are about building the character of the student-athlete in a supportive, fun, competitive, and enriching environment. Being a Harlem Huskie is about being strong, honorable, respectful, and determined. It is not about wins and losses. When we are successful, our teams exemplify the best aspects of our school community, and, when that happens, the wins tend to follow.

We failed in our mission last night, not because of the score, but in how we represented ourselves and the Harlem community. I pledge to you that I will do all I can not only to right these wrongs, but also to ensure that all of our programs exemplify the values and character we all aspire to at Harlem High School.

I am proud to be the principal of Harlem High School. I am proud of our student-athletes. We have hundreds of young people who inspire me everyday through their hard work, dedication, competitiveness, and joy in the athletic arena and in the classroom. I love this school, and I love our students. Our behavior last night was not acceptable. It was not who we strive to be. We will do better.”

The school district has decided not to issue a statement on the coach and his status. Moynihan was hired in February of 2019.

Players from both teams have been suspended by the IHSA.

Suspended players from Glenbard East will miss this week’s playoff game Addison Trail on Friday, Harlem players will be suspended from their next varsity sports game.