Top Texas school's star QB ruled ineligible, but playoffs still in reach

Another one of the best high school football teams in the state of Texas just lost their star quarterback.

The Argyle Eagles , the state's No. 5-ranked team in Class 5A Division II by the Houston Chronicle, have won seven of their first eight games, including a perfect 4-0 district record. UIL's District 3 5A-II Executive Committee (DEC), which oversees Argyle, ruled Tuesday that the Eagles used an ineligible player.

However, unlike a similar ruling against the Lewisville Fighting Farmers , this one will not result in a forfeiture of victories.

Hayes Hackney, a junior transfer quarterback from Prosper Walnut Grove, has been one of the best quarterbacks in Texas. Hackney, who currently has offers from UTSA and Stephen F. Austin, has thrown for 2,574 passing yards and 32 touchdown passes in eight games.

The DEC initially ruled Hackney eligible at a May hearing on his residency after transferring from Prosper Walnut Grove, but the Eagles quarterback is now prohibited from playing for the rest of the season after the latest hearing. It's not clear what new evidence was presented to change the DEC's ruling.

According to Greg Riddle of the Dallas Morning News , Hackney's father stated they plan to appeal the ruling to the UIL. The Eagles have only two regular-season games left before their postseason journey begins.

In September, another transfer quarterback was ruled ineligible, which forced the Fighting Farmers to vacate three wins after the DEC found that Laykon Brassfield did not actually reside in Lewisville. The ruling's discipline was harsh, making Brassfield ineligible for varsity competition for one calendar year from the date he enrolled in the high school.

While Brassfield has been off the team, the Fighting Farmers have won every game since the ruling, with a 4-3 record and a likely shot at clinching a postseason berth.

Argyle will likely turn to sophomore quarterback Cobe Wilson, who has played limited snaps as a backup, mostly when the game has been out of reach. According to MaxPreps, Wilson has thrown for 82 yards and a touchdown while rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown in six games. Wilson has also seen time at receiver, with two receptions, 38 receiving yards and one touchdown.