During Blanco's volleyball match against the Comfort Deer last Tuesday evening, Panther fans waved the usual "Kill the Deer" and "Slaughter the Deer" signs. The rivalry hit a new level when two Comfort students discovered a deer carcass on the school's bus.

The doe, which had been shot with a bow only two or three days before, was allegedly loaded onto the bus by a 16-year-old prankster, said Blanco Police Sergeant Carl Bragg. The juvenile, whose name cannot be released, has now been charged with two Class C misdemeanors. On Friday, the juvenile was charged with criminal mischief and, by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden on Thursday, with illegal possession of a game animal.

Police believe other subjects helped move the deer but the juvenile did not identify anyone else involved.

The carcass was decomposing but intact, reported Officer Bragg, disputing several area news reports that said the deer had been cut into pieces.

The incident occurred after Comfort won the freshman game, and Blanco officials quickly removed the deer from the bus. People at the game were allowed to leave but were not allowed to re-enter the gym. The Panther junior varsity and varsity won their games.

"We're very disappointed that this event happened," said Blanco High School Principal Dustin Barton. "We do not advocate the use of pranks. As principal, I work diligently to make sure these types of activities do not occur."

"We've determined that a student was involved," Barton reported. The school cannot release the details of their action against the student, but Barton said he will face disciplinary consequences in line with the district's code of conduct.

"We consider it a very serious event due to the side effects," Barton added. For example, the incident could've sparked violence amongst angry parents in the parking lot. The Comfort fans could also retaliate, which is an event that the principal is concerned about.

According to news reports, which have hit the Associated Press news wire and popped up around the country, Comfort students have been warned not to retaliate.

"We'd like to move on," concluded Barton. "We do have a great bunch of kids. Unfortunately, a few decided to make a bad decision."