Northwest Football Coach and Gaithersburg AD Fired After September Brawl Fallout

Montgomery County, Public Schools officials, announced the dismissal of Northwest football coach Travis Hawkins and Gaithersburg athletic specialist William Gant nearly a month following a substantial in-game brawl involving their football programs. The decision was disclosed in a joint letter to both school communities issued on Wednesday.

Both football teams resumed play on September 30 after forfeiting a week of games. The game from September 16, which ceased late in the third quarter, was subsequently deemed a double forfeit. The announcement stated that those serving in interim capacities would continue until the season concludes.

The school system conducted a comprehensive investigation spanning weeks, involving interviews with witnesses and a thorough review of video footage related to the September 16 altercation. This incident prompted a prolonged suspension for both programs and instigated several changes in game-day protocols across Montgomery County.
As a result of this investigation, Wednesday’s letter confirmed vacating the Northwest coaching position and the Gaithersburg athletics specialist position, which is akin to an athletic director role. Additionally, it was reported that Gant had filed an assault charge against Hawkins in the previous month.

Gaithersburg, currently at 2-4, is set to face Quince Orchard on Friday, while Northwest (also at 2-4) will play Seneca Valley. Neither Hawkins nor Gant could be reached for comment. Hawkins recently made his first public statement on Monday, expressing frustration at being uninformed about his job status.

On his personal Twitter account, Hawkins wrote, “I’ve been very respectful throughout this process, thinking it was something that would be acted on swiftly with video evidence of what transpired. I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” The initial fight during the September 16 game resulted in both teams forfeiting two games. Subsequently, another altercation involving police and onlookers led to assault charges against six juveniles and a 19-year-old.