5 Fulton, Austin-East football players suspended after sideline fight

Emotions ran high between Fulton and Austin-East on Friday. Now, five players will pay for it by sitting out for a game.

On the final play of the third quarter, a play ran into the Austin-East sideline and a skirmish broke out. The Roadrunners say it was a clean tackle in bounds, but Fulton felt it was a late hit out of bounds.

Fulton quarterback Xavier Malone and tight end/linebacker Jaquez Booker were ejected for fighting, as were Austin-East linebacker Robert Allan, wide receiver/defensive back Martest Forbes and wide receiver/defensive back Coby Colquitt. The ejections carry a one-game suspension, per Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association rules.

Austin-East does not plan to appeal the suspensions. Coach Jeff Philips said he has never seen an appeal upheld because the TSSAA backs its officials.

More:Fulton gets off to hot start, holds off Austin-East

Fulton coach Rob Black is in the process of appealing Malone's suspension. He said the team has video evidence he did not throw a punch. 

The Roadrunners (3-1) have a bye this week, giving them extra time to figure out how they need to adjust without those three players before they face Halls next Friday.

Malone, as starting quarterback, is an impact player for Fulton, who lost Dorian Williamson to injury the week before. The Falcons (3-0) play Karns this week.

Junior Michael Hobby took over at quarterback after Malone was ejected, but he only attempted three passes that were all incomplete. He also played briefly in four games last year, totaling 6-for-10 passing for 142 yards and three touchdowns.