WOODS CROSS — The East High football program was reprimanded Tuesday for playing three ineligible players this season — a major setback in the team's undefeated season.

The Region 6 Board of Managers met at Woods Cross High School Tuesday to review the eligibility of the three players in question, voting 5-1 to impose multiple sanctions against the school and the team's head coach Brandon Matich.

The school was spared vacating their wins and forfeiting the remainder of the season, but will be without Matich for the last game of the season against Logan and the first game of the playoffs.

East High will receive an official letter of reprimand, will be on probation for a year and will be fined $1,500. Additionally, none of the players ruled as ineligible can participate until deemed eligible by the Utah High School Activities Association. School administrators and coaches will also be required to attend a half-day training conducted by the UHSAA.

Deseret News:

Ruling comes down on East for playing ineligible players

East High head football coach Brandon Matich sat on the edge of his chair with his head in his hands as sanctions were announced against the school and program for playing three ineligible players this season.

The UHSAA has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday, where a five-member panel will hear a report about East High's sanctions. The panel has the authority to affirm the decision or increase or reduce penalties.

Matich said he believes the school acted appropriately in the matter and was led to believe the players were eligible to play. While all were a part of the team, Matich said none of the players were used for a competitive edge. One of the ineligible players was a varsity starter, while the other two were junior varsity athletes.

Following the hearing, a coin flip was used to break a three-way tie for second place. Woods Cross won the coin flip, with Bountiful taking third place because of their victory over Highland.

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