Prep football: UHSAA reviews game film, declines to overturn Logan QB's suspension

If Logan is to keep its undefeated season and Class 4A state title hopes afloat, it will need to do so without star quarterback Chase Nelson.

The Grizzlies will be without Nelson in their upcoming 4A quarterfinal game against Olympus on Friday following Nelson's ejection in the second quarter of Logan's 22-17 first-round win over Bountiful on Nov. 1.

Nelson was ejected for allegedly kicking a Bountiful defender who had him wrapped up in the end zone.

And as written into the Utah High School Activities Association handbook, a player cannot appeal an ejection, thus leaving Nelson suspended for Friday's game against Olympus.

While UHSAA officials did review the footage, associate director Bart Thompson said, "we'll never question the official in the case of a player being ejected."

"There have been times when ejections are overturned," Thompson said, "but they're always overturned by the official or officials who made the call."

On page 53 of the handbook, under chapter four of UHSAA administrative policies and guidelines, it is written that "any coach, player or bench personnel ejected by an official shall be suspended from the next regularly scheduled game at that level of play."

Nelson will be prohibited from being in uniform and warming up with the team and will not be introduced while serving the suspension. He'll also have to complete an online course for sportsmanship through the National Federation of State High School Associations.

In bold, all-caps letter, it states "players may not appeal an ejection."

"I've watched the film probably 100 times today," Thompson said. "It happens really quickly. ... The one thing on film I did see is there was absolutely no hesitation by both officials to throw the flag."

But according to Logan coach Mike Favero, Nelson suffered a strained, bruised and partially torn MCL on the play that resulted in Nelson's ejection. Favero said Nelson and the team have consulted a specialist, adding they concluded it was a medical reaction to instantaneous pain.

"What the state has done with this process is disgusting," Favero said. "It's a neurological response to pain. It's on the video, supported through an MRI. The UHSAA has ignored it. ... If a young man is penalized further for a physiological and neurological reaction to an injury and is suspended a game for it, it will be the most unjust decision possible."

Nelson has thrown for 3,150 yards and 42 touchdowns and has rushed for 1,133 yards and 10 touchdowns through 11 games. Nelson broke the record for most accumulative yards in a game with 691 in a 49-38 win over Roy on Sept. 20. —

Playoff schedule

Class 5A

Friday's quarterfinals

3 p.m. • Alta at Lone Peak

4 p.m. • Pleasant Grove at Jordan

5 p.m. • Brighton at Herriman

5 p.m. • Riverton at Bingham

Class 4A

Friday's quarterfinals

3 p.m. • Olympus at Logan

3:30 p.m. • Corner Canyon at East

3:30 p.m. • Sky View at Timpview

4 p.m. • Salem Hills at Woods Cross

Class 3AA

Friday's quarterfinals

4 p.m. • Snow Canyon at Juan Diego

5 p.m. • Cedar City at Dixie

5 p.m. • Desert Hills at Stansbury

5 p.m. • Hurricane at Pine View

Class 3A

Friday's semifinal

at Southern Utah University

4 p.m. • Juab vs. Judge

Saturday's semifinal

at Southern Utah University

4 p.m. • Morgan vs. Manti

Class 2A

Saturday's semifinals

at Southern Utah University

11 a.m. • Grand County vs. North Summit

1:30 p.m. • South Summit vs. Beaver

Class 1A Friday's semifinals

at Southern Utah University

11 a.m. • Diamond Ranch vs. Duchesne

1:30 p.m. • Rich vs. Kanab