HIGH SCHOOLS

An appeal for reduced penalties by the Valhalla High football team, stemming from admitted preseason practice violations, was denied by a special three-person Grossmont Conference committee, Michael Eddy, the Grossmont Conference president said.

As a result, Valhalla is ineligible for the 1991 football playoffs and Monday’s forfeit to Las Vegas Cimarron will stand, pending a further appeal to Kendall Webb, the San Diego Section commissioner, who is out of town on business.

In its written appeal to the Grossmont Conference committee, Vallhalla Coach John Odom claimed his team unknowingly violated section rules regarding improper dress before the fourth day of summer practice and illegal contact before the seventh day.

Section rules on the matter had changed since last year, but Odom said he never received any information about the changes until Sept. 6, more than two weeks after the fact. Odom also said that a mandatory Grossmont Conference preseason coaches’ meeting did not take place this year. Rules changes are normally discussed at such meetings, he said.