By Craig Anderson

DOVER - Two male students 15 and 16 were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct for a fight outside Dover High’s stadium Friday night, authorities said.

The youths were fighting at 9:25 p.m., according to Dover police spokesman Sgt. Mark Hoffman. A large crowd gathered when officers attempted to break up the brawl, police said, and several persons tried to kick and strike one of the combatants, police said.

The incident occurred on a night when Dover High was hosting Hodgson Vo-Tech in a football game.

As the fight unfolded, “Officers called for additional units and officers from the working shift also responded,” Sgt. Hoffman said.

Sgt. Hoffman reported that “One of the students was taken to the hospital for minor treatment after an officer had to pepper spray them to stop the fight and disperse the crowd.”

A Dover police officer’s phone was stolen by someone in the crowd after it fell off them, Sgt. Hoffman said.

The teenagers involved in the brawl were released to their parents/guardians after being cited for disorderly conduct, police said.

Another altercation came at approximately 8:51 p.m. and involved multiple students. Police said the fight was quickly broken up by approaching officers and no arrests were made.

Shortly afterward, two students reported that their cell phones were stolen during the fight, Sgt. Hoffman said.

Sgt. Hoffman said he did not have information on whether the football game was ongoing during either of the fights.

According to Sgt. Hoffman, “We had several officers working at the game which is not unusual. For larger events (football, basketball, playoff games, and other large events), Dover High School will often contract off-duty officers to patrol and provide security.

“This has been done consistently for many years.”