GHSA: Officials blew late call

[voiceoflg]

http://onlineathens.com/stories/0906...60906022.shtml

The Georgia High School Association (said) the officiating crew blew a call at the end of Friday's 26-23 (Hart County's) loss to Clarke Central, but the result of the game would stand.

Tied 23-all with six seconds remaining and Clarke Central at its 47-yard line, (Clarke Central) Gladiators quarterback Beau Evans completed a 36-yard pass to Darreion Robinson, who was stopped at Hart County's 19. As time expired and just before being tackled, Robinson illegally pitched the ball forward to Mikyle Walker and drew a flag from the side judge. Walker proceeded to scoop the ball forward to Gladiators receiver Josh Hurst, who eventually reached the end zone.

The referees penalized the Gladiators 10 yards, but incorrectly awarded one more play. J.B. Erickson kicked a 46-yard field goal for the win.

The correct ruling is that a game can't end on a defensive penalty. But since the penalty was on the offense, the game should have ended on Robinson's illegal pitch and the result should have been a tie, per non-region contest rule.

In non-region games, coaches must agree on playing overtime before the game. Gladiators coach Leroy Ryals, who won his first game in Georgia, said earlier this week he was unaware of the overtime rule.

Although the result does not affect either team in the region standings, the loss could be a factor for Hart County should the Bulldogs face a tie-breaking situation for a playoff spot coming out of Region 8-AAA.

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