A fire started on the Newport High School football field Tuesday night has left players and coaches shaking their heads.

Police discovered a circle burned approximately three yards in diameter between the 30 and 35-yard lines after a caller reported seeing smoke near the field around midnight.

"Nobody knows what happened here," said Newport head coach Mike Miller Friday, whose team was completing a morning practice as part of its two-a-days camp. "It's unfortunate."

The burn, covered by a piece of loose field turf, will be cut out and a new piece will be patched into the field, Miller said.

Damage to the field is estimated at over $10,000, according to Bellevue police.

It's not the first time vandals have struck a football field. In June, arsonists set fire to a goal post, tackling dummies and the football field at Bellevue High School.

"Bellevue got it and I guess it was our turn," Miller said. "It's expensive."

Sammamish athletic director Pat McCarthy said the district has added additional security, including around the football field, but not soley because of the two fires.

"The district has stepped up security patrols at all of the schools," he said. "But really, it's because of the time of year."

The vandalism left Newport players angry that someone would deface their field.

"It's ridiculous," said senior Alex Kairis. "It looks bad."

"It pisses us off," added senior quarterback Ross Quarre.

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