Lewisville residents who follow high school athletics will see the TAPPS football playoffs continue on Friday without the Liberty Christian Warriors, after a Denton County judge denied the school’s request for a temporary restraining order.
Judge Bruce McFarling of the 362nd Judicial District Court ruled that TAPPS, as a private organization, cannot be overruled by a court unless its action is illegal or deprives a party of a protected right, and that Liberty Christian had already received due process through district and state TAPPS committees. The ruling did not address the eligibility of the player at issue.
Liberty Christian had been removed from the playoffs after being forced to forfeit every game in which wide receiver Jace Johnson participated. TAPPS declared Johnson ineligible, citing a violation of the TAPPS “follow the coach” bylaw after he transferred from Abilene Cooper High School for his senior year. TAPPS also said Johnson was essentially recruited by Liberty Christian assistant coach Antonio Griffin through a 7‑on‑7 team called LionHearted.
According to the school, an email that listed Griffin as “owner and coach” of LionHearted was altered from its original wording, which only identified him as the owner. Liberty Christian parents and local coaches have publicly urged TAPPS to reconsider its decision.
In a statement, the school expressed disappointment: “We are sad to report to you that our request for a temporary restraining order has been denied,” the statement read, adding that the entire Liberty Christian family remains proud of the football team.
The ruling also means senior players, including top recruit Cooper Witten—son of former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten—will not have a chance to finish a potential state title run. Cooper Witten, who left his head‑coaching role at Liberty Christian to join the University of Oklahoma staff, is committed to play for the Sooners after graduation.
While the court decision appears final for this season, Liberty Christian indicated it will continue to explore legal options to reverse the ruling.
Separately, the Lewisville Police Department’s Drone First Responder program continues to expand its public‑safety capabilities, though specific recent operations were not detailed in the source material.
What’s next: TAPPS will proceed with the scheduled Friday playoff games without the Warriors. Liberty Christian officials say they will assess further legal avenues, and the community awaits any new developments.
Sources: crosstimbersgazette.com, crosstimbersgazette.com, crosstimbersgazette.com
