Highland Park beat Liberty Hill 2-0 on Friday to claim its first state championship in program history. Then, hours later, the school forfeited the title.
Highland Park beat Liberty Hill 2-0 on Friday to claim its first state championship in program history. Then, hours later, the school forfeited the title.
Highland Park beat Liberty Hill 2-0 on Friday to claim its first state championship in program history. Then, hours later, the school forfeited the title.
GEORGETOWN, Texas — Highland Park boys soccer won a state championship Friday night and then had to forfeit the title hours later.
Highland Park self-reported to the UIL that they had used an ineligible player during the 5A-Division II title game.
According to a UIL press release, Highland Park staff discovered the ineligible player following the conclusion of the state championship game, and after an investigation by Highland Park administration, the ineligibility was confirmed.
Highland Park was in its second state championship appearance in program history, qualifying for the first time since 1987. After beating Liberty Hill, 2-0, the championship would have been the first in school history.
As a result of the forfeiture, however, Liberty Hill has been awarded the 5A Division II championship, UIL officials said.
Highland Park ISD posted the following statement on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“HPISD Parents,
Following the concussion of today’s UIL 5A State Championship game, our athletic department was made aware that an ineligible student participated in the match. Highland Park High School has confirmed the student’s ineligibility, and the district will be self-reporting the incident to the UIL immediately. This results in a forfeiture in the state championship game.
We would like to recognize the Highland Park boys soccer team for their hard work, dedication, and the way they represented our school throughout the season.”
For a look at scores from the rest of the UIL soccer championships, click here.