East Aurora police last weekend broke up two underage-drinking parties involving at least 70 youths, police confirmed Tuesday.

Many of the teens are high school students and could face additional punishment from their schools.

The first party, at about 10:15 p. m. Friday, involved approximately 60 teenagers, mostly Orchard Park High School students, on Jewett-Holmwood Road in the Town of Aurora, authorities said.

Twenty-two people, age 16 to 20, were charged with unlawful possession of alcohol under the state’s Alcoholic Beverage Control Law. One of those youths, the 17-year-old male who lived in the home, also was charged with providing alcohol to people under 21, a misdemeanor.

Three 15-year-old youths were released to their parents.

The second party, involving an estimated 10 to 15 young people, occurred Saturday night on Church Street in East Aurora. Police are investigating the actions of nine underage drinkers, including three juveniles.

Police said parents were not home at the time of both parties.

East Aurora Police noted that while the unlawful-possession charges are classified as noncriminal violations, all 22 young men and women have a date in Aurora Town Court.

“People shouldn’t be alarmed, but

they should be aware about the situation and the consequences,” East Aurora Police Chief Ronald J. Krowka said. “What appears to be an innocuous drinking party with kids might turn into a traffic accident down the road.”

Lt. Jack Wolff echoed the comments of other police officials warning about the arrests.

“The kids have got to understand that if you’re drinking underage and you’re caught, you’re going to be charged,” he said. “If the kids are involved in athletics . . . it could affect their eligibility.”

In East Aurora, students caught drinking who are involved in fall sports could face suspension from their team for eight weeks. The school district’s policy requires that students involved in sports and other extracurricular activities sign a pledge not to use alcohol or other drugs, officials said.

If students are found to have violated that pledge, they are suspended from their team or club for eight weeks, East Aurora High School Principal James

L. Hoagland said. He would not specifically discuss the students at Saturday’s party but noted that because school has not yet started, the only extracurricular activities going on are fall sports.

“They have the opportunity to participate in community service, to cut the time in half,” he said. “They have to come up with a community service project that I approve.”

Students who opt for community service do eight to 10 hours a week for four weeks, at a non-profit that they choose, such as the Boys & Girls Club.

Although police believe that some of the Orchard Park High School students caught drinking Friday play on the football team, none will be suspended from the team. In Orchard Park, students do not face any consequences for drinking at a house party, Orchard Park Superintendent Matt McGarrity said.

“The way that the school addresses it, if it’s on school property or at a school event, that’s when the school gets involved directly with the students,” he said.

He said the School Board might consider revisiting its policy.

“I think any time you have an incident like this, it’s important to review policies to make sure you have best interest of students and athletes at the forefront,” McGarrity said.

gwarner@buffnews.com and mpasciak@buffnews.comnull