Georgetown, Texas, October 8, 2025
News Summary
The Liberty Hill Panthers have been named the 5A Division II state champions after the Dallas Highland Park team forfeited their title due to an ineligible player. Despite a 2-0 loss on the field, Highland Park forfeited the championship title following an investigation by the UIL. The move has sparked discussions on eligibility standards in high school sports.
Liberty Hill, Texas – The Liberty Hill Panthers have been declared the 5A Division II state champions after the Dallas Highland Park team forfeited their title due to the use of an ineligible player. Highland Park triumphed over Liberty Hill with a score of 2-0 in the championship match held in Georgetown; however, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) mandated the forfeit following an investigation into the eligibility of one of their players.
Highland Park’s coaching staff discovered the player’s ineligibility after the championship game and promptly reported the issue to the UIL. An ensuing investigation confirmed that the player did not meet the eligibility criteria, leading to the UIL’s enforcement of the forfeit rule for the contest. Consequently, the Liberty Hill Panthers were crowned champions despite the loss on the field.
During the championship game, Highland Park’s goals were scored by midfielders Jack O’Grady and Hafeey Shah, both finding the net in the first half. Highland Park’s goalkeeper, Justin Ratner, played a pivotal role in the victory by making five saves and achieving a shutout. Meanwhile, Liberty Hill’s goalkeeper, Angel Cardenas, also showcased his defensive skills by stopping six shots throughout the match.
This victory marked a historic moment for Highland Park as it was their first appearance in the boys’ soccer state tournament since 1987, and they were positioned to win their first state championship title in boys’ soccer. The UIL has chosen not to disclose the specific reasons behind the player’s ineligibility, which left the Highland Park community reflecting on their sportsmanship despite the unfortunate turn of events.
Throughout the championship game, Highland Park seized numerous opportunities with set-piece chances, which they practiced regularly as part of their strategy. The team completed the season with an impressive record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws, while Liberty Hill concluded their season with a record of 15 wins, 8 losses, and 7 draws.
This forfeit has caused a stir in the athletics community and underscored the importance of establishing eligibility standards to maintain fair play in high school sports. The UIL’s actions have reinforced the principle that adherence to rules is essential, even when victory seems secured on the field.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Highland Park 2, Liberty Hill 0 |
| Goals Scorers | Jack O’Grady and Hafeey Shah (Highland Park) |
| Goalkeepers | Justin Ratner (Highland Park) – 5 saves; Angel Cardenas (Liberty Hill) – 6 saves |
| Season Records | Highland Park: 21 wins, 1 loss, 2 draws; Liberty Hill: 15 wins, 8 losses, 7 draws |
| Historic Context | First appearance by Highland Park in boys’ soccer state tournament since 1987 |
FAQs
What caused the forfeiture of the championship title?
The forfeiture was mandated by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) after Highland Park used an ineligible player during the championship match.
Who scored the goals in the championship game?
The goals for Highland Park were scored by midfielders Jack O’Grady and Hafeey Shah in the first half.
What was the record for Highland Park after the season?
Highland Park finished the season with a record of 21 wins, 1 loss, and 2 draws.
What was Liberty Hill’s record after the season?
Liberty Hill ended the season with a record of 15 wins, 8 losses, and 7 draws.
When was the last time Highland Park appeared in a boys soccer state tournament?
This marked Highland Park’s first appearance in the boys soccer state tournament since 1987.
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Additional Resources
- Community Impact: Infinite Hitting Now Open in Liberty Hill
- Wikipedia: Liberty Hill, Texas
- Fox 7 Austin: Liberty Hill Wins Boys State Soccer Title After Forfeit
- Google Search: Liberty Hill soccer state title
- Community Impact: Infinite Hitting to Offer Batting Lessons in Georgetown, Liberty Hill Area
- Google Scholar: Liberty Hill UIL soccer
- Statesman: Westlake Tony Salazar UIL Preseason
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UIL rulings
- Houston Chronicle: Houston High School Soccer State Semifinals UIL
- Google News: UIL soccer championship
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