The Wylie Prep Patriots are state champions once again.

Competing in an offensive shootout, the Patriots defeated the Waco Methodist Children’s Home Bulldogs 72-57 at Lake Country Christian School in Fort Worth Saturday.

Wylie Prep fell behind early after the Bulldogs recovered multiple muffed kickoffs in the first quarter. The Patriots came storming back after the second quarter started, outscoring Waco Methodist 32-12 in the frame to make the score 40-36 going into the half.

The high-scoring production picked up steam in the third quarter as the two teams answered each other’s touchdown drives with touchdown drives of their own. However, the Patriots just kept out of reach of the Bulldogs late to win.

Leading the way offensively was Jake Durbin, who caught five touchdown passes on the night en route to earning the state championship game MVP award. Throwing those touchdown passes was Kole Von Runnen and he was given the All-State award.

This win for the Patriots marks their third state championship victory in five consecutive tries. It is their fourth since 2014.

Wylie Prep finished the season with an 11-1 record.

For the full story, see the next week’s issue of The Wylie News. Support your community newspaper for less than $40 a year.