​Argyle running back Logan Rexroat (0) is congratulated by quarterback Hayes Hackney (2) after scoring a second quarter touchdown against Colleyville Heritage in Argyle, Texas, October 23, 2026. Hackney did not play in the game. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
FLOWER MOUND — Argyle did not let an ill-timed eligibility ruling keep it from securing the program’s 18th district title Friday night.The state’s third-ranked 5A Division II program survived Colleyville Heritage 45-35 at Argyle ISD Stadium without star junior quarterback Hayes Hackney, who was ruled ineligible this week by the District 3-5AII executive committee due to a residency dispute.
Argyle receiver Ake O’Neal (1) makes an over-the-shoulder catch for a first quarter touchdown against Colleyville Heritage in Argyle, Texas, October 23, 2026. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
Argyle (8-1, 5-0), a state title contender this season, didn’t have to forfeit any games because the same DEC had ruled Hackney eligible in May after he transferred from Prosper Walnut Grove. Hackney’s father says the family plans to appeal the ruling to the UIL’s state executive committee.Related:Full box score, play-by-playIn the meantime, Argyle will have to manage without the quarterback who passed for 2,570 yards and 32 touchdowns and threw only two interceptions through eight games. Argyle did more than manage on offense, recording 481 yards behind backup quarterback Cobe Wilson. The sophomore was 16-of-22 for 219 yards and three touchdowns in his first start.“I think it’s a next-man-up mentality for our football team,” Argyle coach Todd Rodgers said. “Our messaging this week was ‘Everybody’s got to give one more percent.’ ”Rodgers said Wilson has trained as a quarterback his whole life and played the position in seventh, eighth and ninth grade. Argyle’s circumstance allowed him to showcase his ability during the last home game of the season.“We have athletes everywhere and we can get it done, with or without starters,” said Wilson, who admitted he felt nervous before the game.Senior running back Logan Rexroat rushed for 239 yards and three touchdowns, and four-star Texas Tech pledge Julian Caldwell had six catches for 108 yards and two scores. Argyle won its eighth straight game, secured its fifth straight district title and locked up the district’s No. 1 seed on senior night.
Argyle quarterback Cobe Wilson tosses a pass during the first quarter against Colleyville Heritage in Argyle, Texas, October 23, 2026. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News)
But Colleyville Heritage (4-4, 2-2) challenged Argyle’s defense in the second half. The team trailed 35-14 at halftime and scored 21 second-half points, coming within one score early in the fourth quarter. A decisive 22-yard field goal from Preston Edwards with 6:47 remaining in the game ended up being Argyle’s last points of the contest.Colleyville Heritage, which recorded 553 yards of offense Friday and went down 10