TAPPS, the governing body for private school athletics in Texas, has removed Liberty Christian School from the football playoffs. The school had been favored to win a state championship. TAPPS said Liberty Christian used an ineligible player, and it says a transfer student played 7-on-7 for Assistant Coach Antonio Griffin within the past year, which breaks the "follow the coach" rule.
Undra Hendrix, head coach of the 7-on-7 team West Texas Elite Lionhearted, disputes that account. He said he has coached the player, senior Jace Johnson, for four years and that Griffin owns the team but has never coached Johnson. Hendrix said no one from TAPPS has contacted him about the matter.
In a letter to parents, Liberty Christian called the ruling "unfair and unjust" and said it gave TAPPS evidence of its innocence. The school said it is considering legal options and has not confirmed whether it will formally challenge the ruling. TAPPS did not respond to a request for comment. The playoffs will now begin November 14, one week later than originally scheduled, and TAPPS has redrawn the bracket.