Following the controversial call that has sent Plainfield North to its first-ever state finals, Fenwick High School has filed a lawsuit and will have a hearing in front of Judge Kalthleen Kennedy at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, according to repports.
In a release, the Fenwick School District said.
“During the Saturday, Nov. 19 7A State Semi-final football game between Plainfield North High School and Fenwick High School, play was extended beyond regulation playing time in direct violation of Illinois High School Association (IHSA) rules governing football, which eventually led to a loss for Fenwick.
“Pursuant to the outcome of the game, IHSA invited Fenwick to submit an appeal to the IHSA Board. Early Monday morning, the IHSA Board determined that it would not hear the appeal. As a result, in an effort to protect the rights and rightfully earned opportunities of its students, Fenwick High School has filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois seeking declaratory, injunctive and other relief against IHSA.”
In the semifinal game with only three seconds left on the clock and Fenwick ahead 10-7, Friar quarterback Jacob Keller heaved the ball down field as the home sideline exploded in celebration.
A flag, however, was thrown for intentional grounding and after a conversation it was ruled that North would have the ball on the penalty and one untimed down.
With that down, Connor Peplow nailed a 22-yard field goal to tie the game and send it to overtime, where North won 18-17 on a touchdown and 2-point conversion from Dillon McCarthy.
Following the game, however, the IHSA ruled the call was incorrect and apologized to the Friars.
The release also stated, “IHSA by-law 6.033 clearly states that “the decisions of game officials shall be final; protests against the decision of a game official shall not be reviewed by the Board of Directors.”