Oilers Cope as the Season Ends Again : Prep Football: Huntington Beach is out of playoffs, Fountain Valley is in and all the parties are trying to sort out an emotional day in court.

After nearly a week of harsh words, celebrations, controversy and litigation involving his team’s participation in the Southern Section football playoffs, it was all Huntington Beach High School Coach George Pascoe could do to rub his eyes and mumble, “Finally, it’s over.”

Huntington Beach, which had been removed from the playoffs because it used an ineligible player and then gained a restraining order placing the Oilers back in, learned it was once again out of the Division I playoffs after an appelate court decision in favor of the Southern Section.

“I feel like I’m in the ozone,” said Reno Bellamy, Huntington Beach booster club president and one of the organizers of the school’s legal action. “This is a devastating blow.”

And one that came on an unprecedented day in Orange County high school athletics, in which the judicial system was asked to determine the status of four football teams. Emotions among winners, losers and those still uncertain of their future ran the gamut of joy, devastation, relief and nervous hope.

Savanna High, which was seeking reinstatement to the Division VI playoffs after league principals voted it out for using an ineligible player, was in court Thursday and expects to hear a decision today.

Brea-Olinda, which was inserted into Savanna’s playoff spot Tuesday, is scheduled to play tonight, but also is awaiting the court’s ruling.

“All we can do is sit and wait and pray and keep the fingers crossed and see what happens,” said Fred DiPalma, Savanna coach.

The Huntington Beach case, which came about because of its use of an ineligible player, sparked similar court actions by Savanna, La Puente, and a student walkout at Lynwood this week.

“It was never our intention to set a precedent,” Pascoe said. “(The Southern Section) was fighting for its life. We were just looking for a way to get a kid reinstated.”

But others see the situation as having far-reaching implications.

“I think this proves that justice prevails,” said Mike Milner, Fountain Valley coach. Fountain Valley, not Huntington Beach, will play at Fontana at 7:30 tonight.

“The team that should be going is going (to the playoffs),” Milner said. “I think initially everyone was feeling sorry for a school that didn’t do what they were supposed to do. I think it (the Huntington Beach case) set precedent and you’re going to see more and more court cases.”

Perhaps encouraged by Huntington Beach’s success Tuesday, Savanna presented its case in front of Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Julian Cimbaluk Thursday. Cimbaluk said he will announce his decision today, leaving Savanna and Brea unsure which will play tonight’s game against Fullerton.

“You’re dealing with young people here,” said Jon Looney, Brea coach. “They’re riding an emotional roller coaster. The whole thing is just out of control now. It raises all kinds of questions.”

Pascoe met with the Oiler players for 40 minutes Thursday night in a classroom, while parents and classmates waited outside.

The scene was in stark contrast to Tuesday’s celebration following Superior Court Judge Thomas N. Thrasher’s restraining order, allowing Huntington Beach back in the playoffs.

The players appeared dazed by the news Thursday evening, which ended nearly a week of turmoil in which Huntington Beach was removed, reinstated, and again removed from the playoffs.

“I’m going to wake up tomorrow and realize that I’m never going to play football again,” said J.C. Negri, a senior lineman. “I still want to play football but I have no feeling left for the game.”

Some players were in tears, others appeared almost relieved the uncertainty was over.

“I’m kind of glad it’s all over,” said Scott Jansen, Huntington Beach defensive back. “I was sick of all the hype.”

Pascoe said he received word that the Southern Section’s appeal was being heard by a three-judge panel of the 4th District Court of Appeal as the Oilers were practicing for Friday night’s game. He immediately dismissed the team at 4 p.m. and told them to return for a 7:30 p.m. team meeting.

“When I heard they were appealing the decision I knew we had lost,” said Doug Cunningham, Oiler senior running back. “(Pascoe) called us over and told us to go home. Some of the coaches looked like they were about to cry. I knew it was over then.”

Said Pascoe: “The kids had to grow up real fast this week. They couldn’t be kids anymore. They’ve been on the same roller coaster I’ve been on for the last week now. In some respects I’m just happy it’s over.”

Times staff writer Steve Lowery also contributed to this story.

WHERE THEY STAND*Huntington Beach: The 4th District Court of Appeal granted the Southern Section a stay of a previous retraining order, knocking the Oilers out of the Southern Section Division I playoffs.

*Fountain Valley: The Barons will replace Huntington Beach and will play in Fontana.

*Savanna: The Rebels will hear today whether they are back in the playoffs after making their case in Superior Court Thursday.

*Brea-Olinda: The Wildcats, scheduled to play host to Fullerton tonight, were awaiting the court’s decision.