Controversy in Pauls Valley

By Jason Kersey
jkersey@oklahoman.com

Pauls Valley is feeling a bit slighted after a controversial whistle possibly it a Week One win over Newcastle.

Late in the third quarter with Newcastle nursing a 9-7 lead, Pauls Valley linebacker Tyler Harding stripped the ball away from a Newcastle ball-carrier at around the Pauls Valley 15-yard line. Harding began sprinting down the Pauls Valley sideline with the ball, far away from anyone in a Racer uniform.

However, the official who threw the beanbag indicating a fumble also blew an inadvertent whistle, meaning the play was dead after the change of possession. The game ended with Newcastle winning by that same score — 9-7.

“It probably cost us a touchdown,” Pauls Valley coach Mike Terry said. “Officials make mistakes, but in a 9-7 ball game it doesn’t make you feel very good.”

Terry said his players were hurt, but are resilient.

“I told the kids (after the game): ‘I know you’re hurting and I don’t want you to feel good about a loss, but these first three games are non-district and aren’t going to affect our position for the playoffs,’” Terry said. “The kids are pretty resilient, a lot more so than adults are. I talked to some of them (Saturday), and they’re still down but the sun came up and they’ll be more games.”