CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Imitating Cam Newton's Superman celebration caused one Charlotte prep football player to be ejected from a state playoff game.

West Mecklenburg quarterback Jalan McClendon was kicked out last Friday's 45-10 win over Hough High in the first round of the state 4AA playoffs after pretending to rip open his jersey following a touchdown run like Newton, Carolina's ultra-popular second-year quarterback.

West Mecklenburg coach Jeff Caldwell says McClendon wasn't trying to taunt Hough players, but the move was perceived as poor sportsmanship by officials.

Newton says he felt bad for McClendon, saying ``I was like, `Wow,' because where I'm from if you get kicked out you sit out the next game.''

McClendon, a junior being recruited by several FBS schools, has been cleared to play in Friday's second round game.