Video: See controversial Fenwick-Plainfield North finish
Judge rules that Plainfield North's 18-17 state semifinal victory is upheld. The
Fenwick (Oak Park, Ill.) football season ended in a courtroom Wednesday.
According to the
Chicago Tribune, a Cook County judge ruled Wednesday against Fenwick's plea to overturn a disputed 18-17 Class 7A semifinal defeat to
Plainfield North on Saturday.
The Illinois High School Association
released a statement following the game outlining mistakes made by officials, giving Plainfield North an extra untimed down. That allowed the Tigers to kick a field goal to tie the game at 10-10 and send the game into overtime.
As seen above, Plainfield North won the contest on a touchdown and two-point conversion in overtime.
Fenwick (11-2) appealed to have the result overturned, eventually putting the matter in the hands of Judge Kathleen Kennedy. She cited a bylaw that noted decisions by officials on the field are final as part of her decision.
Barring more litigation, Fenwick's season is over. Plainfield North (11-2) is scheduled to play East St. Louis (13-0) in the state final.
The situation and ruling was similar to
Central Michigan's 30-27 win at Oklahoma State on Sept. 11, when the winners were wrongly awarded an untimed down and then scored the game-winner on a Hail Mary.
In both games, the incorrect untimed downs were awarded after intentional grounding calls.
