Officiating Question

[Chuchen8]

This happened last year at a Battle Creek Game I attended.
It was late in the game, less than a minute to go and BC was down by a touchdown, so it was desperation time and they were on their 40, it was 4th and 17....they throw a bomb and it falls incomplete but the officials called pass interference (i dont think the interference was intentional; this will make more sense when you see what I'm asking).
Anyways, the officials mark of the 15 yards and then give the ball to the other team, they took a knee and ended the game...
Is PI not an automatic first down in HS? and if not why wouldnt they get to replay the down at 4th and 2?

Nobody on the BC sideline was arguing/hollering so I assumed it's legit...but if so that makes absolutely no sense....just teach your kids on 4th and anything greater than 15 yards to just tackle all the receivers......seemed very odd to me....

 

[Antone13]

PI no longer became an automatic first down 2 or 3 years ago. this is the same for any personal foul that happens during the play like a 15 yard facemask is no longer an automatic first down. But if it happens after the whistle, the penalty is a first down. Unnecassary roughness are automatic first downs. this all changed a few years ago.

 

[Llama57]

I believe the down should have been replayed. But no auto 1st down. Here's an article I think all HS fans should read. I hear griping weekly going on for about 50% of these & the refs are getting them correct according to NFHS rules.

http://www.wissports.net/news_article/show/691986?referrer_id=532521

 

[highschoolfootballnut]

It should have been 4th and 2, otherwise every time its fourth and more than 15, you would just tackle the receiver and get the ball back

 

[Chuchen8]

It should have been 4th and 2, otherwise every time its fourth and more than 15, you would just tackle the receiver and get the ball back

That is exactly what I thought....but the lack of uproar from our sideline suggested everyone was OK with it.