Mackey was one of three defenders that took the ball carrier down hard right on the Gordon sideline. As he was getting up, he used the Lingleville player's helmet to push himself up. I watched the play about 15' in front of me while standing at the fence. The officials had already called several "close" penalties on Gordon.
The play prior to the ejection was a long pass that was slightly overthrown, the Gordon defender gave the receiver a push in the back as the ball went sailing overhead, sending him sprawling. I really expected a flag and made the comment on our broadcast that the Gordon players had best keep their hands to themselves.
The 15 yard Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty on Mackey did not surprise me when the flag was thrown. My view of the play made me think there was some intent on Mackey's part to show he was exerting his will on them. The officials' conduct early made clear that Gordon was not going to be allowed to run roughshod over Lingleville. I was staggered that he was ejected based on the ticky-tack nature of the penalty on Mackey's not-overt action.