Why did Highland Park boys’ soccer forfeit state championship hours after winning it?
The Dallas Highland Park Scots, hours after defeating Liberty Hill 2-0 in the University Interscholastic League high school boys’ soccer Class 5A state championship, forfeited the title due to the use of an ineligible player.
According to a UIL press release, Highland Park staff discovered the ineligible player following the state title game. After an investigation, the ineligibility was confirmed.
In the UIL, the minimum penalty for the use of an ineligible player is the forfeiture of the game in which the ineligible athlete participated in. As a result, Highland Park’s first state championship in program history has been nullified and Liberty Hill has been awarded the Class 5A Division II soccer state championship.
Highland Park ISD sent a message to parents on social media, stating that once the violation was discovered, the school self-reported it to the UIL. The statement also recognized the team’s achievements in the 2024-25 season:
“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.”
Highland Park defeated Saginaw 2-0 in the state semifinals to advance to the title game.
Highland Park ends its season at 20-2-2, while Liberty Hill ends its season at 16-7-7.
This story was originally published April 11, 2025 at 10:37 PM.
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