A Phoebus football player has been suspended and another was taken to the hospital following a fight during practice Tuesday afternoon, which ultimately led to the removal either temporary or permanent of head coach Stan Sexton.

Sgt. Jason Price, a Hampton police spokesman, said what began as a verbal altercation became physical when "(an) 18-year-old assaulted (a) 16-year-old by punching him one time in the upper torso." Price explained that "upper torso" means above the waist and can include the head.

Price said the 16-year-old was taken to the hospital by a parent with non-life threatening injuries. No charges had been filed as of Thursday, but Price said the incident is still under investigation.

Price was unable to identify the 18-year-old because he has not been charged.

Ann Stephens-Cherry, executive director of public relations with Hampton City Schools, confirmed that a Phoebus football player has been suspended for the next two games "at this point." She would not identify the suspended player.

Jeremy Blunt, who on Wednesday was announced as the Phantoms' acting head coach, also would not reveal the name of the suspended player. He said the players have done their best to move on going into Friday night's game against Bethel.

"Losing a coach and teammates, that's always difficult," Blunt said. "But once they were able to verbalize things that they felt and put it all on the table, the kids refocused their attention on playing football. That was huge to me.

"There are no worries on this end. And more important, there are no worries for the kids. You would see if it they were worried, but they've rallied around each other. Everybody is confident in their jobs and abilities. That was reassuring to me and to the other coaches as well."

Blunt will retain his responsibilities as defensive coordinator. Filling in for Sexton on calling the offensive plays will be assistants Jamar Joel and Carl Winkler.

Phoebus' administration has put the players off-limits for interviews this week.

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Coaching shake-up at Phoebus was preceded by fight in practice