Officiating issues lead to questions regarding Mavs game

MOSES LAKE — On Saturday, the Moses Lake Mavericks pulled off a late comeback win over the Bothell Cougars 17-14 in the first round of the 4A state football tournament, wherein multiple possibly inaccurate calls by officials were made against both teams. However, since the conclusion of that game accusations of inappropriate officiating have been made.   

A parent of a Bothell player made claims that officials overseeing the game had direct ties to Moses Lake and the Mavericks football program. They referenced the Washington Officials Associations code of conduct, which she said states that ties to the team must be disclosed.   

The officials referenced were Jaret Fulbright, a former coaching staff member for the Mavericks and parent of a current student athlete, Brett Hill who is a longtime MLHS supporter and parent and the back judge, who was not directly named but was said to be a former player from 2007 and a teacher at Moses Lake.   

Their claim states that with this disclosure never happening, it led to an unfair advantage that changed the trajectory of the game. According to their claims, the sideline official on Bothell’s side of the field called multiple penalties against the Mavericks that were overturned by the officials with ties to MLHS.   

At the game, several penalties were called on both Moses Lake and Bothell. Many of these calls were arguably made incorrectly. As an example, Brady Jay, Head Coach Bret Jay’s son, went for the first down and extended the ball past the sticks only to be called short. That call forced the Mavericks into a turnover on downs which gave the ball back to Bothell.    

Video evidence of this play is on the National Federation of State High School Associations network. It is one example of multiple plays miscalled on both teams Saturday.   

Despite multiple incorrect calls by officials, Bothell had an opportunity late in the fourth quarter to kick a field goal that would have tied the game at 17 each, but their kicker missed the field goal attempt. From there, the Mavericks ran the clock out.   

Coach Jay declined to comment on the matter and said he was focused on the team’s upcoming match with Lake Stevens Saturday.  

The Columbia Basin Herald has reached out to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association for comment and clarification as well. Additional coverage will be provided as information becomes available.