Elder senior wide receiver Andrew Lyman was back on the field Friday night after a judge granted a temporary restraining order challenging an OHSAA ruling that had made him ineligible for the remainder of the regular season.
The temporary restraining order was granted Friday evening, allowing Lyman to play in the Panthers’ GCL South showdown with St. Xavier at The Pit.
Lyman made an immediate impact, catching four passes for 84 yards and a touchdown in Elder’s 31-29 loss to the Bombers.
His biggest play came late in the first half when quarterback Kaden Estep connected with him for a 34-yard touchdown that pulled Elder within 21-14.
The development came one day after the Ohio High School Athletic Association ruled that Lyman did not qualify for an exception to its transfer bylaw. Elder appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied.
Lyman transferred to Elder from Kings prior to his senior season. Under the OHSAA transfer bylaw, he was eligible for the first five weeks before the transfer restriction was scheduled to take effect beginning with Week 6.
The Ball State verbal commit had made an immediate impact for the Panthers before the eligibility issue arose, catching 23 passes for 390 yards and eight touchdowns.
Friday’s temporary restraining order cleared the way for Lyman to return to the lineup just hours before kickoff against St. Xavier.
Despite Lyman’s return, previously unbeaten Elder suffered its first loss of the season. St. Xavier kicker Owen Davidson connected on a 25-yard field goal as time expired to give the Bombers a 31-29 victory.
Estep completed 20-of-26 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 72 yards and another score for Elder. St. Xavier quarterback Thomas George threw for 192 yards and three touchdowns, while Aiden Graham rushed for 114 yards.
The victory was also the 200th of St. Xavier head coach Steve Specht’s career.
The court order does not resolve Lyman’s eligibility for the remainder of the season. The temporary restraining order allows him to play until his next court hearing, which is scheduled for Oct. 8.
Elder falls to 5-1 overall and 1-1 in GCL South play and will face Moeller next week at Welcome Stadium in Dayton.
Stay with TriStateFootball.com for updates on Lyman’s eligibility status as the situation develops.
