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UIL suspends Edcouch-Elsa coach, rules two games forfeited
Posted: 10.31.2012 at 10:20 AM
Updated: 10.31.2012 at 6:20 PM
Clay Williams

Clay Williams is the Sports Director for Action 4 News.

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Joe Solis // File Photo
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A controversy about the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets football team practicing more than allowed hours ended with its coach being suspended and the team having to forfeit two games.

UIL officials held a hearing about the matter in Austin on Wednesday and ruled that Head Coach Joe Solis is suspended for the rest of the football season.

La Maquina Amarilla must also forfeit victories against Weslaco and Laredo Alexander hurting their season standings but not any further play.

The decision to suspend Solis only applies to his duties as head coach and not his duties at Edcouch-Elsa ISD athletic director.

The Yellojackets beat the Weslaco Panthers in a 5-0 game during Week 0 of the season back on September 1st.

Edcouch-Elsa took down Laredo Alexander 33-18 back on September 21st during Week 3 of the season.

The controversy started back in September when former assistant coach/whistleblower Gene Garza reported violations to the UIL's District Executive Committee.

According to UIL rules, a high school football team can only practice eight hours a week.

Solis and the school district's superintendent did not have any comment leaving the UIL hearing on Wednesday morning.

But Edcouch-Elsa ISD attorney Gus Acevedo said, "We are disappointed in the ruling, but we respect the Committee's decision."

Garza, who has a son and two nephews on the team, spoke to Action 4 Sports after the hearing.

"I'm just happy the kids will get to play," Garza said.

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