Preps Plus

Albemarle High’s appeal was denied today by the Virginia High School League regarding the Patriots’ Group AAA state quarterfinal contest with James River. In a press release issued this afternoon, the VHSL won’t allow Albemarle the chance to complete its game with James River in accordance with the VHSL handbook.
“The decision by contest officials, both coaches and the site director to suspend Tuesday’s state quarterfinal game between Albemarle High School and James River High School after four and one-half innings is not permitted by the VHSL handbook and was therefore erroneous,“ said Deputy Director of the VHSL Tom Zimorski. “League staff or their representatives are not permitted to change the Handbook due to specific circumstances or incorrect decisions by contest officials or game directors.“
Zimorski added an apology and then explained that the game would hold, putting James River, the Central Region Champion, in the state semifinals while ending Northwest region runner-up Albemarle’s season.
“The decision is based upon the specific Handbook regulation cited previously. Therefore, the result of the game stands and is final. I can assure you that every step necessary is being taken in order to ensure that these unfortunate circumstances will not occur in the future.
As reported by Daily Progress correspondent Ryan Yemen last night, Albemarle completed 4.5 innings of play after a pair of rain delays, which under VHSL rules constitutes a full game. The game was then called due to darkness and both James River officials and Bickers agreed to pick up the rest of the game today at 5 p.m.
After the Albemarle squad’s departure, the VHSL ruled that the game would stand as is, with James River winning 5-4. While on the road, Bickers received a call from a reporter who was the first to inform him of the decision. Bickers informed his players of the decision later that night when they arrived back at Albemarle High’s campus.
More to come on this developing story in Thursday’s print edition of the Daily Progress.