A judge denied Orange City University High School's request for an injunction Friday, effectively ending its high school football season.

Oviedo High School will take its place in the playoffs and will take on Mandarin in Jacksonville at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

University High School self-reported an ineligible player at the end of the regular season and was forced to vacate its eight wins.

It opened the door for Oviedo High School to keep their season alive.

The ineligible player’s parents asked the judge to intervene.

The judge called his own decision “harsh” and used the word “draconian” when questioning Florida High School Athletic Association officials.

“Sadly, the adults let the kids down and now a harsh result teaches a tough lesson,” said Judge Raul Zambrano.

But in the end, he put the blame on University High School failing to identify an ineligible player, even if it was unintentional.

“This court cannot change the ruling of the association. It is therefore the petition for the injunction is hereby denied,” he said.

The ineligible player played for 10 games.

The school’s principal testified the school did not become known about the player until earlier this month, even though the FHSSA indicated someone at the school knew in August.

“It’s an unfortunate situation, because the kids on the field earned the right. However, one of their teammates was ineligible,” said Roger Dearing, of FHSSA.

The player’s father said he accepted the judge’s decision but was happy he took the fight to court.

“No matter what, we’re going to fight, and we’re not going to go down without a fight,” said Jow Rago.

The FHSAA said it review the bylaws every year.