High‑school football fans across Southern Denton County are gearing up for the first round of the state playoff tournament. Five local programs – Argyle, Lewisville, Byron Nelson, Guyer and Liberty Christian – have secured their spots and will be looking to advance toward a coveted state championship.
5A Division II – Argyle Eagles vs. Panther Creek Panthers
The Argyle Eagles will travel to Frisco ISD to meet the Panther Creek Panthers (7‑3) on Friday at Argyle ISD Stadium. After a season‑opening loss to an out‑of‑state opponent, Argyle rebounded and won every remaining regular‑season game. A brief eligibility question arose when quarterback Hayes Hackney was ruled ineligible over a possible residency issue, but the UIL State Executive Committee cleared him after he missed just one game, making him available for the playoff run.
Last season’s quarterfinal loss to Melissa High School (20‑19) still haunts the program, and the Eagles hope to improve on that result.
6A Division I – Lewisville Farmers vs. Prosper Mustangs
Lewisville will host the Prosper Mustangs (8‑1) on Friday at Goldsmith Stadium. The Farmers entered the season with a perfect 10‑0 record after the UIL district executive committee initially ruled quarterback Laykon Brassfield ineligible due to a residency dispute. An appeal to the state executive committee restored his eligibility, and the district reinstated three forfeited non‑district wins, preserving Lewisville’s unbeaten record.
Lewisville is aiming for its third state title, and a victory would set up a potential regional semifinal against Byron Nelson.
6A Division I – Byron Nelson Bobcats
Byron Nelson, a consistent playoff participant since 2020, finished the regular season 5‑5, with all five losses coming against teams that are also in the first‑round bracket (Arlington Martin, Lewisville, Keller, Keller Central and Southlake Carroll). The Bobcats will face Arlington Martin High School (10‑0) at the Glaspie Field Athletic Complex.
The team recently lost 4‑star defensive lineman Georgi Toia, who transferred to a Florida academy for his senior year, but the program remains confident in its ability to compete for its first state title.
6A Division II – Denton Guyer Wildcats vs. Rock Hill Raiders
The Guyer Wildcats (8‑2) will meet Rock Hill (6‑4) in a familiar first‑round matchup, echoing the 2025 playoff pairing. After a dominant 40‑0 victory over the Raiders in the previous year’s quarterfinals, Guyer hopes to repeat that success and add a third championship trophy to its collection. The Wildcats have previously reached the state championship game in 2019 and 2021, falling short both times to Austin Westlake.
Private – Liberty Christian Warriors
Liberty Christian’s football team was slated to open the TAPPS playoffs against St. Michael’s on Nov. 6, but the Warriors were removed after a dispute over a player’s eligibility. The school has filed a lawsuit against TAPPS, seeking a pause or reversal of the ruling. Parents, coaches and community members have voiced strong support for reinstating the team, emphasizing fairness and the students’ right to compete.
“We have continued to fight the unfair ruling by TAPPS against our football team,” the school wrote to parents. “Our young students have done nothing wrong, and we must do everything we can to set the record straight, restore our season and allow our team to play in the playoffs.”
The upcoming weekend promises intense competition and the chance for Southern Denton County schools to showcase the talent and determination that define Texas high‑school football.
Original reporting: Cross Timbers Gazette — read the source article.
