Their intentions on the now-viral video were clear: Two Texas high school football players targeted a game official. They’ve now admitted it. The twist however is that they are claiming they were ordered to attack the referee by their own coach

@IamJoeSports

In case you have no clue what I am referring to, click HERE

First, Victor Rojas came from behind and tackled referee Robert Watts to the ground. A second player, Michael Moreno, dived in headfirst — leading with his helmet — and hit Watts again.

Moreno and Rojas, from John Jay High School in San Antonio, were ejected from the September 4 game against host Marble Falls High. They were suspended from school. No charges have been filed, but Marble Falls, Texas, police said they are investigating.

But were the football players just following orders? Yes, the teenagers told “Good Morning America” on Friday.

Referring to assistant coach Mack Breed, Moreno said, “While on the sideline, he pulled me and another player over and he told us, and I quote, ‘You need to hit him.’ ”

Moreno added that Breed said, “You need to hit the ref. He needs to pay the price.”

So far no word from the coach about these allegations. He is currently out on paid administrative leave.