Liberty Christian banned from TAPPS playoffs over ineligible player ruling

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 5, 2026, 7:34 PM

Last updated Nov 5, 2026

Liberty Christian banned from TAPPS playoffs over ineligible player ruling
Summary

Liberty Christian's football team will not compete in the TAPPS Division 1 playoffs due to a ruling regarding an ineligible player. The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools found the school violated the 'follow the coach' rule involving transfer student Jace Johnson. His participation on a 7-on-7 team coached by an assistant at Liberty Christian led to sanctions, which include game forfeitures that have eliminated the team from postseason contention. The school's athletic program, led by former Cowboys player Jason Witten’s family, is disputing the ruling and considers legal action.

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By the Numbers
  • •Liberty Christian is ranked No. 1 in TAPPS state rankings.
  • •Jace Johnson allegedly played under ineligible conditions as a transfer student.
  • •The TAPPS ruling follows the violation of eligibility rules concerning coaching relationships.
  • •The school plans to challenge the decision and pursue potential legal options.
  • •Jason Witten's son, Cooper, is a key player for Liberty Christian.
Latest Updates
  • 7:34 PMYahoo Sports — Wife of former Cowboys star questions ruling that barred son's team from playoffs
What they're saying
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TAPPS says the school violated its "follow the coach" rule, but Michelle Witten has questions about the evidence.

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