Published 10:55 am CDT, Monday, October 29, 2018
A violation involving the use of an iPad has forced the Port Neches-Groves football team to forfeit its win over Crosby, coach Brandon Faircloth confirmed on Monday.
By a 3-2 vote, the District 12-5A-Div. II committee ruled that the PN-G coaching staff violated a UIL regulation prohibiting the use of certain technology in the press box or on the sidelines.
Despite the committee’s decision, Faircloth said he doesn’t believe his staff did anything wrong.
“Yes, we had an iPad in the press box, but I don’t believe we broke any rules,” said Faircloth, who also serves as PN-G’s athletic director.
According to PN-G Assistant Superintendent Julie Gauthier, the violation occurred because of a lack of understanding of the rule.
The violation happened during PN-G’s 48-45 win at Crosby on Oct. 12.
“One of our coaches who didn’t know the rule had the iPad propped against the glass in the press box taking photos,” Gauthier said.
Barbers Hill notified the committee of the infraction, while Vidor brought the motion that enacted the vote.
Dayton, Vidor and Santa Fe voted that PN-G should forfeit the game. Nederland and Baytown Lee voted against a PN-G forfeiture.
Barbers Hill, PN-G and Crosby could not vote because of their involvement in the issue at hand.
PN-G has yet to decide if its will appeal the committee’s decision, Faircloth said.
The forfeit doesn’t have a huge impact on the Indians’ playoff hopes. Assuming the forfeit stands, PN-G would still win the district with victories in its last two games over Barbers Hill and Nederland.
Here’s a look at the updated District 12-5A standings with PN-G’s forfeit.
Nederland (5-0)
Port Neches-Groves (4-1)
Barbers Hill (4-1)
Santa Fe (3-2)
Crosby (3-2)
Baytown Lee (1-4)
Vidor (0-5)
Dayton (0-5)
