Richardson residents who follow Texas high‑school athletics saw a significant development on Tuesday when a judge upheld a ruling that Liberty Christian School’s football team cannot compete in the TAPPS playoffs. The decision, reported by NBCDFW, stems from a violation of TAPPS’s transfer regulations, specifically the “follow the coach” rule.

According to NBCDFW, TAPPS – the organization that oversees private‑school sports in Texas – determined that a transfer student participated in a 7‑on‑7 game for Liberty Christian under the direction of assistant coach Antonio Griffin within the past year. TAPPS says this involvement breaches the rule that prohibits players from following a coach to a new school without proper clearance.

The student in question is senior Jace Johnson. Undra Hendrix, head coach of the 7‑on‑7 team West Texas Elite Lionhearted, told NBC5 that he has coached Johnson for four years, beginning when both lived in Abilene. Hendrix noted that no TAPPS representative has reached out to him to verify whether Johnson played for him during that period.

Liberty Christian School, located in Argyle, had been a strong contender for a state championship before the ruling. The school disputed the decision in court, but the judge ruled against the team, confirming TAPPS’s assessment of the rule breach.

The ruling has immediate implications for the TAPPS playoff bracket, as Liberty Christian will be excluded from postseason competition this season. For Richardson families and fans who track regional high‑school sports, the change reshapes the competitive field and may affect travel plans for upcoming games.

What’s next? TAPPS will adjust the playoff schedule to reflect Liberty Christian’s ineligibility. The school’s administration has not announced any further legal action, so the current decision stands for the remainder of the season.

Sources: nbcdfw.com