Amid ongoing legal disputes and multiple injunctions issued over the past week, the WVSSAC took action on Thursday to address the delay in the state football playoff tournament, which had been postponed due to these legal challenges. The WVSSAC, as the petitioner, filed a request for a Writ of Prohibition with the Supreme Court of Appeals, seeking expedited relief.

“We’ve filed the Writ with the Supreme Court, and now we’re waiting for their decision,” said WVSSAC Associate Director Wayne Ryan. “We’re hoping for a ruling soon, but there’s no guarantee.”

Over the past week, two injunctions were issued against the WVSSAC by circuit court judges. The first came on Saturday from Judge J.D. Beane in Wood County, and the second on Monday from Judge Anita Ashley in Mason County. The Wood County injunction was filed by the Wood County Board of Education on behalf of Parkersburg High School, Parkersburg South High School, and Williamstown High School, citing discrepancies in ratings and playoff points. The second injunction, issued while coaches attended playoff meetings on Sunday, mandated two play-in games on Friday involving Class AAA schools Point Pleasant and Hampshire, both of which had been excluded from the postseason after the ratings were adjusted following the Wood County ruling.

The WVSSAC’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeals argued that the Wood County circuit court’s order exceeded its legal authority and was erroneous. The WVSSAC also pointed out that West Virginia law supports the notion that courts should not second-guess how the WVSSAC applies its rules.

As a result of the ongoing legal proceedings, the WVSSAC decided to postpone the state football playoffs on Tuesday. Until the Supreme Court provides a ruling, the WVSSAC is complying with the Mason County circuit court’s decision to hold the Class AAA play-in games. These games are set for Saturday at 1 p.m., with Capital playing Hampshire at Bridgeport High School and Point Pleasant facing St. Albans at Hurricane High School.

The WVSSAC’s appeal noted that it was impossible to comply with both court orders, prompting the postponement of the playoffs. It emphasized the need for clarification to resolve the conflicting orders and ensure legal compliance when the playoffs resume. The appeal also highlighted the irreparable harm caused to the member schools by the continued delay.

The WVSSAC has requested that the Supreme Court grant expedited relief, allowing the playoffs to proceed. “We’re in postponement mode until the Supreme Court rules,” said Ryan, adding that they hope for a decision within 72 hours, but they are still waiting to hear which rating system will be used moving forward—either the one that was in place all season or the one mandated by the Wood County injunction.