HEBER CITY — Hundreds of students at Wasatch High School walked out Monday morning to protest a child abuse charge against the school’s football coach.

Between 300-400 students marched off school property down Main Street and to the steps of the Wasatch County Courthouse in protest. Several students chanted, “He’s not guilty.”

Sheriff’s deputies asked the students to move because they were being disruptive to a trial inside.

Steve North, 50, who is also a teacher at the school, was placed on paid leave “pending an investigation of an incident in the classroom involving a student on Monday, March 7, 2011,” according to a statement released by the Wasatch School District Friday.

Supporters say the charges are much too harsh and that the student involved in the incident was known for talking back and being disruptive in class.

Others say the coach’s actions were way out of line.

Students who witnessed the altercation say North was teaching his P.E. class when the student involved came to class late and then continued to talk during the lesson, even after North tapped him on the head to remind him to be quiet.

That’s when North allegedly pushed the student against the wall.

A court arraignment for North is scheduled for April 20.

Written with contributions from Pat Reavy and Shara Park.