FHSAA denies Cocoa high school football's appeal of controversial loss at St. Thomas Aquinas

The Florida High School Athletic Association has denied Cocoa High School's appeal of its 37-36 loss at St. Thomas Aquinas.

In an email to Cocoa athletic director Mark Carstens on Monday, FHSAA Director of Athletics Robbie Lindeman cited Bylaw 4.2.1, which states all game outcomes are final.

"The outcome (i.e., winners and losers) of all interscholastic contests are final, and cannot bereversed, except where the rules of the sport permit or in the case where a winner must forfeit its victory or points," the Bylaw states.

Cocoa was appealing the game based on the officials not following proper procedure during the final few minutes of Friday's game. Cocoa led 36-34 and, had it not been for the officials' incorrect decisions, would have run out the clock and win the game. Cocoa submitted video evidence of the incorrect calls and clock stoppages in its appeal.

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"We're very disappointed," Carstens said. "We understand the rule ... but at the end of the day, it hurts our coaches and players. They are the ones who don’t benefit, and our community. It’s a very sad day."

Carstens said he also has reached out to the FHSAA to find out if the officials from the Broward Football Officials Association would be held accountable for their actions.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Jon Santucci is the statewide high school football recruiting reporter for the USA Today Florida Network. He can be reached at jsantucci@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Cocoa football's appeal of St. Thomas Aquinas loss denied by FHSAA