Highland Park admin self-reports ineligible player played in final against the Panthers

Editor’s note: This story was updated with late news from the University Interscholastic League.

By Michael Adams
Austin Sports Journal

GEORGETOWN – Liberty Hill fans hung a sign behind the boys soccer team’s bench that read, “’til the end.”

The Panthers didn’t expect the end to come hours after the conclusion of their Class 5A Division II state championship game with Highland Park.

The UIL announced late Friday evening that Highland Park self-reported that an ineligible player played in the state final Friday against Liberty HIll, a game the Scots won 2-0.

In a press release sent at 10 p.m. Friday night, the UIL stated that Highland Park staff discovered the ineligible player following the conclusion of the game. After an investigation by Highland Park administration, the ineligibility was confirmed.

According to the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, Highland Park has to forfeit the game the ineligible player participated. As a result, Liberty Hill will be awarded the Class 5A Division II boys soccer state championship.

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The Panthers (16-7-7) have been the Cinderella of the Texas high school soccer playoffs. From finishing fourth in District 25-5A to being 40 seconds from having their season end in the first round of the playoffs, Liberty Hill has defied all the odds this season and became a team of destiny.

In the game, Highland Park scored two goals in the first 20 minutes and fought off a relentless Panther offense that has had its share of miracles throughout the playoffs.

Apparently, there was one more miracle in the stars.