Halfway through the second quarter of Providence IHSA Class 5A playoff opener, the officials did something visiting Springfield High could not do – stop running back Broden Mackert.

The officials forced Mackert to the sideline for an equipment change with 7 minutes, 24 seconds to play in the half, ruling that the visor on his facemask was too tinted and against IHSA rules.

The damage, however, had already been done.

The junior carried the ball 11 times in the first quarter for 145 yards and three touchdowns, leading Providence to an eventual 63-19 win in the first round of the playoffs.

“I wore that all season,” Mackert said of his visor. “The guys up front do a great job giving me room to run, and when I hit the second level, I see it and I just go. We had a great week of practice a

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