Plymouth-South Appeals Game Against Natick Over Unapproved Football
BOSTON (CBS) – The Natick High School football team is moving on to Saturday's Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium, after the MIAA denied a protest from Plymouth-South over Tuesday night's playoff game.
The issue is the football that was used by Natick. The MIAA has specified a certain ball to be used in the playoff games.
Before Tuesday night's game, Natick asked for, and received, permission from game officials to use a different ball. The error was caught with about four minutes left in the game, and Natick was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty. They went on to win the game 38-33.
It is unclear whether or not Plymouth-South coaches were part of the initial meeting where the ball was approved.
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The MIAA says there was nothing illegal about the ball used by Natick, but it did have a different texture and laces. The approved ball is made by Spaulding, while Natick used a Wilson.
MIAA officials say the results will stand, and Natick advances to the Super Bowl.