Denison -- Denison quarterback Hunter Watson threw for three touchdowns and ran for 155 yards and another TD to help his Yellow Jackets sting the McKinney North Bulldogs in a District 10-5A thriller.

Fresh off their win over next-door rival Sherman, Denison improves to 3-2 in district, while the loss drops McKinney North to 2-3.

Denison put 45 points on the scoreboard in the first half, including a 57-yard touchdown pass from Watson to his favorite target, Stephen Wagoner. 

In the second stanza, Cody Crouse grabbed a 25-yard TD pass from Watson and then Tre'lon Lyday thrilled the hometown crowd when he raced 87 yards to pay dirt with a pick six.

The combo of Watson-to-Wagoner also connected on a 30-yard scoring strike before halftime as the Yellow Jackets took a 45-35 lead at intermission.

Denison got a little breathing room in the third period when Devan Patterson went in from two yards out to stretch the Yellow Jackets' lead to 52-35.

McKinney North battled back, with Christian Files scoring the game's final two touchdowns on short runs, but Denison held on for a key three-point district win, 52-49.

Watson was 15-of-23 through the air for 269 yards, while giving up one interception.

For McKinney North, Files went 23-of-42 for 387 yards and three TDs, but he suffered two interceptions.

Wagoner, Denison's star wide receiver, hauled in eight passes for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Denison (3-2) will travel to Wylie East (5-0) next week, while McKinney North (2-3) will host Sherman (0-5).

photos by Manny Flores of www.BuzzzPhotos.com