(WTVR) - Hanover senior quarterback Clayton Cheatham is facing a one game suspension under VHSL rules after he was ejected in the late stages of the Hawks first round playoff win over Louisa. Cheatham received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the game which led to the automatic ejection and suspension.
According to an official with knowledge of the situation, Cheatham received the first penalty for "an aggressive flinch as if to start a fight, shoulders and head jerk" after scoring a first half touchdown. The second penalty came in the second half for shouting an obscenity at a Louisa player.
If the suspension stands, Cheatham would sit out the Hawks' second round playoff game against Dinwiddie. Hanover has appealed the penalty. The principals of both Hanover and Louisa high schools are deciding if the appeal should be heard. They must be in agreement for the appeal to move forward. If there is an agreement, the appeal moves on to the Supervisor of Officials for the Richmond area who would then make a final decision on whether or not the penalty stands.
Under appeal, Cheatham can practice with the Hawks, but the appeal process must be fully completed before he is eligible to play. It is expected that the process would be expedited considering that the Hawks are in the playoffs.
Cheatham missed 8 games with a broken ankle this year but returned for the final game of the regular season. Against Louisa, he accounted for 235 yards and 6 touchdowns.
