Argyle’s biggest win this week came on a Thursday, and nobody had to put on shoulder pads.
The UIL State Executive Committee voted 3-0 on October 29 to restore junior quarterback Hayes Hackney’s eligibility, overturning a local committee ruling that had sidelined one of Texas’ most productive passers.
The District 3-5A Division II Executive Committee voted 6-0 on October 20 that Hackney, who transferred from Prosper Walnut Grove, did not satisfy residency requirements.
The dispute centered on whether his family actually lived inside Argyle ISD boundaries while still owning a home in Prosper.
At Thursday’s hearing, the state committee determined there was sufficient evidence that the family resides in Argyle. School administrators had previously testified that they made multiple home visits to verify the family’s residence.
However, there was an interesting twist.
State committee chairman Mike Motheral questioned the district’s earlier decision that Hackney had not transferred for athletic purposes. But that issue had already been decided in May. Thursday’s appeal concerned residency, and on that question, the state committee sided with Hackney.
For Argyle, the timing couldn’t be much better.
Hackney has thrown for 2,574 yards and 32 touchdowns with just two interceptions this season. The Eagles are 8-1 and ranked No. 3 in 5A Division II.
Argyle also proved it could survive without its starter. Sophomore Cobe Wilson helped lead last week’s 45-35 victory over Colleyville Heritage while Hackney sat out.
Now head coach Todd Rodgers gets his starting quarterback back for Friday’s regular-season finale at Nevada Community, with the playoffs approaching.
After enough paperwork to fill a playbook, the Eagles can finally get back to drawing up plays instead.
