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The University Interscholastic League called an emergency meeting in Austin Thursday. They said the Katy High School football team let an ineligible student play in a playoff game last week.
Public reprimand, and one year of probation is the penalty the University Interscholastic League handed football heavyweight Katy High School.
“There was a young man who played in a contest last week who was ineligible to do so,” Mike Motheral, chairman of U.I.L. said.
Katy athletic officials admitted they made a mistake and overlooked a rule that banned a transfer to play in the post-season. Motheral admitted the player's performance was a factor in their lenient decision.
“If that young man had come in and scored three touchdowns it might be a factor in this hearing,” he said.
The sophomore participated in a handful of plays in last week's 66 to zip shutout victory against Friendswood High. The athletic director said confusion and human error about the rules, led to the violation.
Katy officials did express deepest apologies but this meeting ensured that next time they'll go over the rules with a fine tooth comb.
The committee did not forfeit last week's win, and will allow Katy to play Manvell this Friday.
“I'm relieved that they're able to play the game, it was an adult mistake it was my mistake,” Debbie Decker, Katy I.S.D. executive director of athletics, said.
The committee believes the athletic department did not have any ill intent in this case.
“Our athletic director has been meticulous in what she requires us to do. It's just a thing that slipped through the cracks,” Gary Joseph, head coach of Katy’s football team, said.
The seven-time state champion could possibly face Lake Travis High School in the state championship. With this behind them, the team hopes to move on and continue the winning streak in the playoffs.
“Our coaches work long hard hours to make sure they give our kids the best opportunity to win,” Decker said.
The player will still attend practices and be a part of the team. The Joseph says the student is cooperative and understands this was all a misunderstanding.