Powell, 19, of Verdugo Hills Denied Appeal on Eligibility

Three-sport standout Eddie Powell of Verdugo Hills High, a two-time All-City Section selection, has been denied another year of athletic eligibility.

A hardship petition by Powell, a transfer from Oakland, who is a junior academically, was rejected by City Commissioner Hal Harkness because Powell is too old. Under state rules, a student who turns 19 on or before Aug. 31 no longer has athletic eligibility for the following school year, Harkness said.

Powell turned 19 this month. Verdugo Hills petitioned for another year of eligibility based on hardship--Powell had several family problems in Oakland before moving in with an uncle in Los Angeles--but Harkness said the age factor prohibited consideration of the appeal.

Powell missed his freshman year while helping to raise his younger siblings. He did not earn course credit that year.

“We can’t hear the case,” Harkness said. “There is no waiver of the age rule; it’s hard and fast.”

Soccer

Simi Valley Premier, an under-19 girls’ club team composed mostly of players from Royal and Simi Valley highs, advanced to the western regional playoffs after winning the California Youth Soccer Assn. South’s State Cup championship.

Monica Gerardo and Amy Hood of Simi Valley High scored in a 2-1 victory over Mission Viejo at Brea-Olinda High on Sunday to help Simi Valley win the 10-team tournament.

The Valley United Wings, another area club team, lost to Mission Viejo, 2-1, in the semifinals.