The greatest game that never was

Posted Sep 15, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Sep 15, 2009 at 01:55 PM

At least that could be how the 2009 Jefferson-Newsome game comes to be known.

The Week 2 matchup, which ended after three quarters with Jefferson leading 29-28, will not be recorded as an official game because it was not completed, Hillsborough County director of athletics Lanness Robinson said Tuesday afternoon. Robinson said National Federation of State High School Associations rules state a game must be completed in its entirety for it to become official. FHSAA rules regarding suspended contests also revert to NFHS rules.

The Newsome-Jefferson contest was suspended after three quarters because Hillsborough County rules state a quarter cannot begin after 11 p.m. It was around 11:15 p.m. when the third quarter ended, according to Tribune staff writer Nick Williams, who covered the game. The start of the game was delayed because of inclement weather, which caused several Hillsborough County games to be canceled.

Coaches and administrators from both schools met following the end of the third quarter to determine the next course of action. Newsome was given the opportunity to return Saturday to complete the game, but declined. Jefferson athletic director Bob Morgan told the Tribune the reason Newsome officials declined was because several players were set to take standardized tests for college on Saturday and coaches didn’t want to risk injury to their players with a quick turnaround for games this week, which will be held on Thursday.

Robinson said even though Newsome declined to complete the game, it would not be recorded as a Wolves forfeit because of the circumstances. Robinson added there was no other time for the game to be completed because Newsome and Jefferson do not have the same off week. There also is no pressing need for the game to be continued because the outcome has no bearing on playoff implications for either team, considering Newsome (Class 5A) and Jefferson (Class 3A) are in different classifications.

Jefferson coach Mike Fenton spoke with the Tribune’s Joey Johnston about the situation on Monday.

“We met beforehand and agreed upon it. In the third quarter, we went for it. We played it like it was the fourth quarter because it was apparent we weren’t going to be able to start the fourth quarter. We were trying to get it in. We had an injury that took some time and we didn’t foresee that. It was about 11:15 (when the fourth quarter was ready to begin). We wanted to continue. The officials said let’s continue. The county administrator said no,” Fenton said.  “We offered the chance to come back and finish on Saturday. That’s when the other makeups were taking place. But they said no.

“However it stands, it stands … I don’t know much more that that. To my understanding it’s a win, given all the circumstances and what was agreed upon. Obviously, you’d like to finish the fourth quarter, but it was an unusual situation. We did offer the chance to finish it. If we are asked to finish it at another time … I mean, two chances? How many times are you going to ask someone to come to dinner?”

After being informed Tuesday the game would not be recorded as an official contest, Fenton said he believes the game should be recorded as a Dragons victory.

“We asked Newsome to come back. We offered to finish the game and they said no, so it should be a forfeit,” Fenton said. “It’s not fair to the kids. As far as we’re concerned, it counts.”

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Game story: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/sep/12/sp-game-called-after-3/sports-prepsports/

Previous blog entry: http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/tools/comments/fenton-we-played-like-it-was-the-4th-quarter/