Ocean Lakes loses appeal on forfeitures

Ocean Lakes football coach Chris Scott has given speeches after big victories and tough losses.

But nothing could prepare him for what he faced Wednesday when he told a room full of players that their playoff hopes were gone.

"It was one of the most difficult things that I ever had to do as a coach and as a person," Scott said after telling his players the school's appeal of six forfeits was denied by the Virginia High School League. "The decision that was rendered was something that they aren't happy with and that they're extremely disappointed with because they haven't done anything wrong."

A five-member panel of the VHSL's Executive Committee in Charlottesville voted 3-2 to uphold the Beach District's decision to order the Dolphins to forfeit six games for using an ineligible player.

The decision keeps the Dolphins' record at 2-6 and ends their playoff hopes. It also keeps Bayside atop the standings with a one-game lead over Cox in the Beach with two games remaining. Ocean Lakes beat Bayside 16-6 last week.

Ocean Lakes, the defending Beach District champion, was 6-0 when on Oct. 14 a committee of Beach District officials determinedthe Dolphins had used an ineligible player. The player's name has not been released, but it's widely known to be running back Justin Hughes, a transfer from First Colonial.

His mother, Monica McHenry, told WVEC-TV that her son is passionate about football.  "He's been playing since he was 5 years old," she told the station. 

McHenry said she and Justin moved in with a family member in the Ocean Lakes school zone in May. In August, she told WVEC, she moved to Fort Story with her husband and Justin moved into his own apartment in the Ocean Lakes zone. 

Ken Tilley, the VHSL executive director, said the committee arrived at a decision that it deemed fair and equitable under the rules and procedures of the league.

"Those rules are designed to serve and protect the best interests of all member schools and student participants," Tilley said. "It is unfortunate whenever there are adverse consequences such as in this case, but we are confident that the Ocean Lakes administration, coaches, players and fans will respond in a way that will reflect positively on their entire school community."

Ocean Lakes principal Cheryl Askew made the trip to Charlottesville for the hearing. She and Scott thought they made a strong case.

"Obviously, we are very disappointed in the outcome," Askew said in statement released by Virginia Beach Schools. "It is indeed a heart-breaking turn of events for student-athletes who have played superbly, but most importantly, have been the epitome of grace under pressure."

Scott said losing 3-2 made it even more difficult to accept.

"We were able to achieve two votes that were in our favor and that thought we acted in good measure," said Scott, 29, now in his second season as head coach. "It's been really hard, but the good thing is this is final. Now they don't have something hanging over their head anymore."

The VHSL's committee Wednesday included Dr. Lloyd Hamlin, superintendent of Surry County Schools; Dr. Elaine Fogliani, superintendent of Westmorland County Schools; Judy Brinsfield, activities director at Jamestown High School; Tom Horn, activities director at George Mason High School; and Billy Haun, assistant superintendant of Albemarle County Schools.

So where do the Dolphins go from here?

"Wins were taken away on paper and documented," Scott said. "But every one of those players - and everyone we played - knows that our players earned every play, every touchdown and every tackle."

Larry Rubama, (757) 446-2273, larry.rubama@pilotonline.com