PINEVILLE, W.Va. (WVVA/WTAP) – Last week, Wood County Schools filed a lawsuit that put the West Virginia high school football playoffs on hold. Their case changed the formula used to determine playoff teams.

As a result, four teams were eliminated from the playoffs even though they did not play a game. Westside High School in Wyoming County is on that list.

“It was disappointing because on Friday after our game we assumed we were in the playoffs for the first time since 2015. It was a big deal, we celebrated that and started preparing for our playoff game Friday night. Then Saturday when I got the news, it was confusing and disappointing and it’s been a whirlwind ever since,” Westside head coach Justin Cogar said.

In an effort to save Westside’s playoff hopes, the Wyoming County Board of Education attempted to file its own ordinance at a hearing Wednesday. Represented by Wyoming County prosecutors, their goal was to return to the formula that was used at the beginning of the season.

However, they hold back. During the hearing, prosecutors and a representative of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission agreed they both wanted the same thing.

“The position of Wyoming County and the position of the WVSSAC is that we should go back to how the 2024 season was played before the order was entered in the Wood County circuit court. The entire season was played under a certain set of rules. We’re asking to go back to that set of rules that put Westside in the playoffs,” said Assistant District Attorney Joshua Miller.

Miller said the WVSSAC plans to send legal documents to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. It seeks to overturn the injunction filed in Wood County Circuit Court that pushed the playoffs to the sidelines. Westside players say they just want to play ball.

“I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. It took two years to get there, and for it to be taken away from us just wasn’t fair at all,” senior tackle Zach Short said.

Miller said it’s ultimately up to the state Supreme Court of Appeals whether or not to take up the case.

Miller adds that he expects the WVSSAC to file its Supreme Court action against Wood County no later than Thursday.

Westside, along with Tolsia, Point Pleasant and Hampshire, are the four teams that would be eliminated from the playoffs if the formula is changed as a result of Wood County Schools’ legal action.

WTAP has reached out to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals and is waiting to hear if a hearing date has been set.

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