New London — One of the ugliest scenes in the history of Cannamela Field followed New London High School's 26-7 loss to Hillhouse on Friday night.

Several fights erupted in the postgame handshake line, leaving coaches and administrators scrambling to separate the teams. Police officers were called to escort the game officials to their cars, while parents and other family members were concerned for the well-being of the players long after the game ended.

New London coach Johnny Burns, tending to several matters involving his team, was unable to speak to The Day after the game.

Hillhouse (1-5) entered the game winless.

The Whalers (4-2) lost quarterback Owen George in the third period because of an injury to his left arm.

George, who finished 6-for-13 for 72 yards, threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Zehki Burgis with five seconds left in the first half, pulling the Whalers within 12-7 by halftime.

Hillhouse had taken a 12-0 lead recovering a bad snap on a punt in the end zone and on Justice Bryant's touchdown run.

New London took the opening kickoff in the second half and got to the Hillhouse 15 before moving in reverse. The Whalers, who lost yards on three consecutive plays, ended up with a fourth and 41 from the 46. George was injured falling to the ground near the New London sideline on the drive.

Still, the Whalers had an even better opportunity forthcoming. After holding Hillhouse on the next series, an errant snap on a punt, recovered by New London, gave the Whalers a first and goal at the Hillhouse five.

But four plays produced but two yards.

New London sophomore Kamil Johnson entered the game in George's place. Johnson, a left-hander, was stopped on a fourth-down run at the three.

The Academics, who had played a very competitive schedule thus far within the Southern Connecticut Conference, added two touchdowns in the final four minutes to ice the game.

New London senior Jacob Commander led the Whalers with 96 rushing yards, but found it difficult all night to find much space to run.

New London has a bye this week, perhaps allowing George time to heal, before visiting East Lyme on Friday, Oct. 26, for an Eastern Connecticut Conference Division I game.

m.dimauro@theday.com