I talked the an assignor in the know, since this happened locally.
He filled me in, similar to what the article said, minus the fact that OHSAA doesnt allow protests(so this was basically the Elder coach appealing to the umpires), and that it took 1 hr for the 3 umpires to finally, finally, rule(correctly) -- discussing among themselves, looking in the rulebook, then using a cell to call for outside help.
Mistake #1 was the BR not running immediately to 1st.
Mistake #2 was the Fairmont 1st base coach not insuring that the BR touch 1st.
Mistake #3 was the umpire ruling the BR out on appeal.
Mistake #4 was 3 playoff officials taking that long to rule.
I dont blame the Elder coach for trying, am glad that he didnt get his way, and his media comments show class.