OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – The ruling on the field stands: A high school football team from a tiny Oklahoma town is moving on to the state semifinals, having topped an Oklahoma City powerhouse after an improperly enforced penalty with 64 seconds left.
“There is neither statute nor case law allowing this court discretion to order the replay of a high school football game,” Judge Bernard Jones said Thursday in an order regarding the Nov. 29 game between Douglass and Locust Grove, which Locust Grove won 20-19.
Oklahoma City Public Schools, to which Douglass referred all questions, said it would not pursue further legal action.
“Unfortunately, the outcome of the hearing did not produce the results we hoped for. The judge’s decision presents an opportunity for the (Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association) to review and address the processes and procedures that affect every student athlete in Oklahoma,” OKCPS District Athletic Director Keith Sinor said Thursday.
The association scheduled the 3A semifinal between Locust Grove and Heritage Hall for 7 p.m. Friday; the other semifinal was played Dec. 5.