HIGH POINT, N.C. — A longtime Triad referee says one of the scariest nights of his career has left him shaken, and he’s hoping the incident sparks stronger protections for officials across North Carolina.

Mitch Long, 73, has been officiating for more than three decades. Known as a “white hat” — the lead official on a football crew — Long has worked football, basketball, and softball for 35 years.

"When I played, I was hard on officials myself. The way I officiate, I felt like I could give them an honest effort. That's always been my goal — to give the players the best effort I can," said Long.

That commitment was put to the test on September 12 at Simeon Stadium during a matchup between High Point Andrews and Greensboro Smith. Long says the game was heated, with multiple ejections for

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