The decision by the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS), the governing body for private school athletics in the state, found that a transfer student had played 7-on-7 football for Liberty Christian Assistant Coach Antonio Griffin within the past year. That constitutes a violation of TAPPS's "follow the coach" rule, which is designed to prevent athletic recruiting by restricting student-athletes who transfer to a school where they have a prior playing relationship with a coach.

Liberty Christian, which was considered a favorite to win a state title, challenged the ruling in court. The judge sided with TAPPS.

The dispute centers on senior player Jace Johnson. Undra Hendrix, head coach of the 7-on-7 team West Texas Elite Lionhearted, previously said he has coached Johnson for four years, dating back to when both lived in Abilene. Hendrix said no one from TAPPS contacted him to ask whether Johnson had played for him, raising questions about the thoroughness of the investigation that led to the school's postseason ban.

The case has sparked controversy in the Argyle community and across North Texas high school sports, where playoff runs are a source of intense local pride. For Liberty Christian, the ruling ends a promising season and leaves players and families grappling with a decision that hinged on off-season 7-on-7 participation rather than in-season competition.

The eligibility battle also highlights the power TAPPS holds over its member schools and the limited avenues for appeal. While Liberty Christian pursued its challenge in court, the judge's ruling affirms the association's authority to enforce its transfer rules, even when the underlying facts remain in dispute.

It remains unclear whether Liberty Christian will pursue further legal action. The school has not announced any additional appeals.