JACKSON (AP) — Walnut High School is back in the chase for the Class 2A title.
On Tuesday, the Mississippi High School Activities Association reversed the Wildcats’ 24-21 loss to Leland last week.
Now, the Wildcats (10-2) will host Eupora (10-2) in a Class 2A quarterfinals game Friday.
The MHSAA ruled in favor of Walnut’s appeal concerning a disputed call by the officials on the final play of the Leland game. The MHSAA does not allow appeals of judgment calls, but rules violations may be appealed.
Game officials called an illegal forward pass against Leland on the game’s final play, but instead of ending the game they allowed the Cubs one more play. Leland scored a touchdown and won the game.
The MHSAA says because of the illegal forward pass, the game should have been over and declared Walnut the winner 21-18.
MHSAA executive director Ennis Proctor says it is the first time the organization has ever had to reverse the outcome of a game.
Proctor wouldn’t give names of the officiating crew for the game, but says the entire crew has been suspended for the 2008 and 2009 playoffs. He says the crew will also be on probation during the 2009 regular season.
“We are real pleased with the decision,” said Walnut coach Timmy Moore, who has coached at the Tippah County school since 1993. “We felt like the activities association and executive committee would do the proper thing and correct a wrong. I knew I had a great case and I knew we were right.”
Leland coach Eugene Sanders says he and his players were disappointed.
“The (game) officials made their decision and it was a judgment call,” Sanders said. “It should be decided by officials and not people sitting behind a desk. What were my children supposed to do? All we can do is go by what the referees say.”
Leland finished the season at 9-3.
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