Texas Prep Quarterback Eligible Just Long Enough to Lead Team

IRVING, Tex. — South Grand Prairie High senior quarterback Bill Shafer, a victim of Texas’ “no pass, no play” regulations, was allowed to play one last game Friday, and he made it count.

Under Texas University Interscholastic League rules, Shafer and five other starters were technically eligible only until the hour of the final school bell Friday (3:10 p.m., CST), after failing at least one course during the last six-week grading period.

Thus the noon kickoff at Texas Stadium, the first of a scheduled prep playoff tripleheader, allowed Shafer to start against Arlington High.

Shafer led his team to a 20-15 victory, completing 12 of 27 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown before the game ended at about 2:55 p.m., allowing Shafer 15 minutes to shower and change. Had the game lasted beyond the 3:10 time limit, he would have been required to take off his uniform and gear and climb into the stands.