The IHSAA has ended Heritage's appeal process before it even began.

The Patriots were planning to protest the football team's 13-10 overtime loss to Leo last Friday. An official added another play and time to the clock at the end of regulation. The Lions tied the game and eventually won it in overtime.

But in an email Tuesday, IHSAA assistant commissioner Robert Faulkens said there was no appeal process.

"Heritage has not, nor can they, appeal the outcome of a contest," Faulkens wrote. "There is no appeals process for overturning the decision of an official. Our By-Laws are quite clear on that."

Faulkens is in charge of football for the IHSAA.