The Florida High School Athletic Association handed down suspensions to a combined six players in the wake of a brawl during last Friday's football game between American and Miami Springs.

The incident occurred with 44 seconds remaining in regulation, when a late hit by a Miami Springs defender on the American quarterback led to a roughing-the-passer penalty. An American player retaliated, setting off a brawl and prompting an undetermined amount of players from both sides to leave their respective sidelines. Administrators from both schools and security separated them before a major incident could occur.

According to Miami Springs athletic director Rey Breto, linebacker Randy Williams, defensive back Rodney Hurley and defensive end Tyrone Bibby have each been suspended for six weeks.

The FHSAA is still reviewing the case to see if further suspensions are warranted, but have run into delays since video footage of the incident was not available.

``We'll deal with the consequences and try and make the best of the situation,'' Miami Springs coach Alex Pacheco said. ``I let them have it real good this week with a pretty good tongue lashing. I told them that we have too much at stake for them to retaliate and have to be more disciplined.''

American also had three players suspended, but athletic director Pat Iacono declined to reveal their names when contacted by The Miami Herald Tuesday. Iacono said the school is appealing the suspensions.

``It's always unfortunate when something like this happens,'' Iacono said. ``We're still communicating with the FHSAA and waiting for a final decision on it.''

Miami Springs (5-1) will play Northwestern (5-1) Thursday at 4 p.m. at Traz Powell Stadium in a pivotal District 13-6A game. American (2-4) is scheduled to play Goleman (3-3) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Ted Hendricks Stadium.

CHARLES COMMITS

Monsignor Pace guard Tiffany Charles committed Tuesday to Winthrop University. Charles, a 5-7 senior guard, earned first team All-Dade girls' basketball honors last season, and averaged 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Charles led the Spartans to the Class 4A regional semifinals.

FLORIDA AP PREP POLL

The Associated Press Top 10 Florida high school football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records, rating points and previous rankings:

Class 6A Record Pts Prv 1. Dr. Phlps (10) 6-0 132 1 2. NW (4) 6-1 128 2 3. Apopka 7-0 107 3 4. CEN 6-1 97 5 5. Orange Pk 6-0 78 6 6. Columbus 5-1 77 4 7. DeLand 7-0 52 8 8. SR 5-0 38 10 9. MIR 5-1 25 7 10. Vero Bch 6-0 22

Others receiving votes: Lake Brantley 5, Atlantic Community 3, Homestead 2, South Dade 2, Winter Park 1, Mainland 1.

Class 5A Record Pts Prv 1. STA (15) 6-0 150 1 2. Lklnd 6-0 135 2 3. Mnte 6-0 113 3 4. Venice 6-1 105 4 5. Plant 6-1 81 6 6. T.B. Tech 5-1 80 5 7. Ely 7-0 55 8 7. Flmng Isl 7-0 55 7 9. Cntrysde 6-1 27 9 10. Kssmme Oscla 5-2 11 10

Others receiving votes: South Broward 5, Oviedo 3, Clearwater 3, St. Petersburg 2.

Class 4A Record Pts Prv 1. Ncevlle (13) 6-0 146 1 2. Dwyer (2) 5-1 137 3 3. Armwd 5-1 121 4 4. Kathleen 7-1 90 5 5. Charltte 6-1 87 2 6. Hllsbrgh 5-1 73 6 7. Cp Crl 6-0 63 7 8. Largo 5-1 42 8 9. Gnsvlle 6-1 29 9 10. Pine Frst 5-2 18 10

Others receiving votes: Lake Gibson 6, Edgewater 6, Columbia 2, Milton 2, Palm Bay 2, Lake Weir 1.