BOSTON -- An Arlington high school football player is facing assault charges after he allegedly head-butted an opposing player during a game last month.

Arlington Catholic High School's James LaShoto, 17, is facing a charge of assault and battery stemming from the incident in which he allegedly hit Abington player Daniel Curtin.

Curtin did not have a helmet on at the time of the alleged incident.

"I was already on the ground when he ripped my helmet off and head-butted me," Curtin said.

The incident was captured on video, which was reviewed by a court magistrate.

Curtin's younger brother and teammate, Richard, said he watched the incident from the sidelines.

"I knew it wasn't an accident. I knew it was intentional. I saw the whole thing. I've never been more mad in my entire life," Richard Curtin said.

Curtin's mother said no penalty was called at the time because referees did not see the hit. Watch Boston Globe Video Here

Curtin spent five hours in the emergency room, and the gash was so deep it had to be glued shut.

LaShoto was suspended for two games by Arlington Catholic, the teen's lawyer said.

The Curtins do not think the suspension was enough.

"We believe it was an intentional, criminal act that has no place on the football field," Curtin's mother, Paula, said.

LaShoto will be arraigned on Nov. 30 in Cambridge District Court.