(UPDATE: 12:09 p.m.) Judge in Nature Coast injunction case requests hearing; Williston game tonight still possible; appeal to FHSAA denied
A Hernando County judge has called for a hearing this afternoon in the Nature Coast booster club's bid for an injunction. The club hopes to block the Florida High School Athletic Association's ruling to end the football team's season.
A ruling in favor of the club would likely permit Nature Coast to play in tonight's Class 3A region quarterfinal against Williston. A decision is expected this afternoon.
The FHSAA's attorney is currently in another hearing but is expected to address the court from Gainesville this afternoon, booster club member Greg Jarque said. At that point, the judge will hear arguments from both sides before making a ruling.
Florida High School Athletic Association executive director John Stewart denied Nature Coast's appeal Friday to penalties and fines levied against the school for its role in a Nov. 7 brawl. The appeal was made by Nature Coast Tizzy Schoelles.
The Nature Coast booster club filed an injunction this morning in Hernando County court on behalf of the football team.
The FHSAA penalized the Sharks $10,400 (South Lakes was fined $8,500). Both teams had their remaining 2008 games canceled, and were stripped of their 2009 spring games. Both teams would be eligible for postseason play in '09 upon completion of a sportsmanship education program.
-- IZZY GOULD
izzygould@me.com
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