Liberty Hill named boys soccer state champions after Highland Park forfeit

The Liberty Hill Panthers have been declared the 5A Division II state champions after the Highland Park Scots were forced to forfeit their title due to the use of an ineligible player during the championship match, which they originally won 2-0. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) confirmed the forfeiture after Highland Park's administration reported the violation following the game. This marks Liberty Hill's first state title in boys' soccer, finishing the season with a record of 16-8-7 after a ten-game winning streak. Highland Park's victory, which was celebrated as their first state title since 1987, was short-lived as the UIL ruled that the minimum penalty for such violations is forfeiture of the contest. The specific reasons for the player's ineligibility have not been disclosed. This incident follows another recent game forfeiture in Texas due to similar eligibility issues.