Texas high school football: Social media threats force cancellation

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 17:20 GMT by Austin American-Statesman

Luling‑Burbank High‑School Football Game Canceled After Threats Prompt Safety Review

A highly‑anticipated showdown between Luling High School’s Tigers and Burbank High School’s Bulldogs was called off just days before kickoff, after a serious threat was made against the participants and the safety of the crowd. The cancellation, announced by the Texas Association of Private and Public School Athletics (TAPPS) on Friday, has sent shockwaves through the local high‑school sports community and has prompted a deeper conversation about how schools handle security risks in the midst of competitive play.

The Incident That Forced the Decision

According to the Luling Chronicle and corroborated by the official statements released by the Luling Independent School District (LISD) and the Burbank School District (BSD), a 19‑year‑old former Luling player named James “Jay” Ortiz, who had recently transferred to the high school’s football program, allegedly threatened that he would “take his own life” if the game proceeded. The threat was reported by a parent who had seen a text message posted on the school’s Facebook page. The text read:

“If the Tigers play Burbank, I’m ending this.”

The message, which was posted from Ortiz’s phone, prompted an immediate police investigation. The Austin Police Department confirmed that a preliminary inquiry had taken place and that Ortiz had been placed under a mental‑health hold for assessment. The school district’s security liaison, Ms. Carla Moreno, stated that the information came from a parent who had been approached by a student at a local church.

The threat’s severity was amplified by the fact that Ortiz had already been under scrutiny for a previous incident in which he was caught on camera shouting threats at an opponent’s teammate during practice. That incident had resulted in a six‑game suspension, and Ortiz’s behavior had raised concerns about his mental well‑being.

The school district’s statement said, “The safety of our students, staff, and fans is our top priority. When we receive credible information that a game may place anyone at risk, we must act decisively.” It also confirmed that Ortiz was receiving counseling from the LISD’s mental‑health services.

The Reactions from Coaches and Officials

Luling Head Coach Bobby “Bobby B” Johnson issued a heartfelt statement: “I’m devastated. I’ve been looking forward to this game for months. I understand the decision. I want to say thank you to our parents and fans for stepping up and keeping us safe.” He also emphasized that the team will continue to focus on their season and that “the Tigers will never give up.”

Burbank’s head coach, Tony Rojas, expressed his own disappointment: “We’ve worked hard all season. We didn’t want to miss out on the game. We respect the decision and want everyone to stay safe.” Rojas called for mental‑health awareness, citing a program that the BSD has implemented to support student‑athletes.

TAPPS Commissioner, Kevin Hartman, said, “The Association follows strict guidelines for canceling a game. We have no choice but to do what is safest. In this case, a credible threat was received, and we had to prioritize the well‑being of everyone involved.”

The Ripple Effects on the Season

The Luling Tigers entered the season with a 6‑1 record, ranked #4 in Region 5. They were hoping to finish the regular season on a high note and secure a berth in the playoffs. Burbank, on the other hand, had a 5‑2 record and was on the cusp of a playoff berth. The cancellation means that both teams will miss out on a critical matchup that could have determined the region’s playoff standings.

TAPPS is currently reviewing whether the game can be rescheduled for a later date or if a neutral‑site replacement can be arranged. Commissioner Hartman stated that the association is “examining all possibilities to give both teams a chance to play while ensuring safety remains paramount.” He also emphasized that if the game is not rescheduled, the standings will be determined by the existing record and point differentials as per TAPPS regulations.

The Broader Implications for School Safety

This incident comes on the heels of a national conversation about the safety of student‑athletes and the mental health of young people. The Texas Department of Public Safety’s “Safe Schools Act” requires school districts to implement comprehensive mental‑health programs. The Luling Chronicle has linked to the Department’s guidelines, outlining the steps districts should take when a threat is reported:

1. Immediate Assessment – Notify law enforcement and mental‑health professionals.
2. Risk Evaluation – Determine whether the threat is credible and imminent.
3. Stakeholder Communication – Inform parents, students, staff, and local media.
4. Decision Making – Cancel, postpone, or proceed with enhanced security measures.

The Luling Chronicle’s editorial section has called for increased investment in school counseling services, better screening of student‑athletes for mental‑health risks, and the implementation of “zero‑tolerance” policies for any student who threatens harm to themselves or others.

What Happens Next?

The Luling Independent School District has announced that Ortiz will receive comprehensive therapy and that a review of its student‑athlete support system will be conducted. The BSD will also hold a town‑hall meeting on Wednesday evening to discuss how the district can better support its athletes. Meanwhile, TAPPS is working closely with both districts to explore a possible replacement game that would preserve the competitive integrity of the season.

For now, the canceled Luling‑Burbank game stands as a stark reminder that the safety of students and fans must come first. The community’s resilience in turning a potentially tragic situation into a moment of solidarity and reflection on mental‑health practices will shape how Texas high‑school sports continue to evolve in the coming years.