The Manhattan High football team lost in overtime Friday night to rival Junction City, 17-14, a game for the ages, one that went down in classic Manhattan-JC fashion. It was perhaps the best game I’ve witnessed in person.

In addition to being a reporter for The Mentor, I’m also a student at Manhattan High and a fan of the team. I want them to win. I wasn’t happy when they lost to Junction City, nor when quarterback Ian Trapp was ruled short of the goal line in overtime.

And even though many thought Trapp scored, the loss was not directly determined by that play. Manhattan did not lose solely because Trapp was ruled short of the endzone.

Of course, the call was iffy. Even I thought he scored, as did several people on the sideline, as well as head coach Joe Schartz. But to say the refs cost the game for the Indians is faulty logic.

What about Raye Wilson’s 50-yard touchdown rush? Not only did the touchdown obviously give the Blue Jays the lead, but it shifted the momentum to Junction City’s side.

What about Tim Bell’s fumble recovery for a touchdown, when the ball was dropped in the transfer from Trapp to Keiadrain McDonald? Obviously, that contributed to JC winning.

The Indians also missed two field goals, which hurt their chances at sneaking by with a win.

But let’s just say the refs called Trapp in for a touchdown. Manhattan takes the lead. There’s a fair chance the MHS defense stops the Blue Jays on their possession, winning the game, but there’s also a chance JC ties the game with a touchdown. It’s impossible to predict what would have happened if the officials called Trapp in, which is why it’s also irrational to say that one play is why Manhattan lost.

Calling Trapp short of a touchdown was a controversial call, and it was probably wrong, based on eyewitnesses on the field. But it’s illogical to say that it is solely responsible for the outcome of the game. There’s way too much that goes into a football game to blame the referees.