Frisco, Texas -- In a fourth-quarter thriller capped off by a game-winning kickoff return for a touchdown in the closing seconds, a strong second half carried the McKinney North Bulldogs to a seven-point win over the Frisco Heritage Coyotes that clinched a playoff berth for the Bulldogs.

Heritage took a 14-7 lead into the second quarter, but McKinney North cut the Coyotes' lead down to 21-17 at the half.

McKinney North came out of the locker room to score 13 unanswered points in the third period as the Bulldogs pulled in front, 30-21, going into the fourth quarter.

Heritage wasn't done, though.

The Coyotes scored on a touchdown pass and the PAT trimmed the Bulldogs' lead down to two points, 30-28, early in the final period.

With less than a minute to play, a field goal by Heritage gave the Coyotes a 31-30 lead.

But McKinney North wasn't done, either.

A penalty for excess celebration after the field goal meant that Heritage had to kick off from their 25-yard line and McKinney North returned the kick for a touchdown that sealed the deal on the Bulldogs' 38-31 victory.

photos by Matt Pearce www.BuzzPhotos.com