Referees playing a big role in Inland Division playoff opener

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Now it’s Chaparral that’s getting its points taken off the scoreboard.

Brett Symonds booted a 46-yard field goal that would have given the Pumas a 10-7 lead midway through the third quarter of its Inland Division first-round game against visiting Los Osos, but a false start wiped it out. Symonds then backed up for his second 50-yard attempt of the game, but it fell short again.

Chaparral got the ball back but committed consecutive holding penalties and then was whistled for a false start, leaving the Pumas with first and 32 from its three.

Los Osos has already been called for two holding penalties this quarter as well.

They say referees could conceivably call a holding penalty on every play. I guess this crew thinks it’s true.

By the way, Chaparral just punted on fourth and 32, but the Grizzlies were called for roughing the kicker, keeping the Pumas’ drive alive as we head into the fourth quarter, still tied, 7-7.

-- Dan Arritt

-- Image from assets.espn.go.com