Controversial call mars Middleton Homecoming

The Middleton Tigers were challenged by the Memphis Northside Cougars, when a controversial call changed the momentum of the game as time ran out on the first half, and the Tigers did not get the momentum back, falling 22-8 putting a damper on their Homecoming festivities on Friday, October 2.
According to several members of the visibly upset crowd, the cougars were allowed to score after the whistle blew. The crowd and the Middleton players thought the half had ended and were walking off the field. After a discussion by the officials, the score was allowed, and the teams lined up for the two point conversion, which was good, giving the cougars an eight point lead at the break. Middleton was unable to score in the second half, and the Cougars scored once more in the final quarter.
“The guy from Northside ran the ball after the whistle blew. You can ask anyone here, he ran after the whistle blew” Middleton student Ruble Massengill said.
After the game, Middleton Statistician Johnny Davis said that it was explained to him that the official blew the whistle to start the play, not to stop it.
According to head coach, Craig Harris, the call was not the deciding factor of the game.
“We did not do the things that we needed to do to win this game, and that was on me,” Harris said. “We did not lose because of that play. Northside played hard from the start of the game till the end.”
The coach went on to say, “I want to thank the crowd for coming out. This the largest crowd that I can remember in a long time,” Harris said.
Middleton is now 2-4 (0-2 in Region 8A). The tigers will Travel to Memphis next Friday night to take on Carver. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.