Justin Northwest’s DeMareus Hosey ran wild to help the Texans surge past McKinney North 56-46 on Friday night at Northwest ISD Stadium.

Hosey accounted for 406 yards and four scores to help Northwest (2-0) make up a 31-27 halftime deficit and eventually take a 50-46 lead late in the third quarter.

In a back-and-forth affair, Justin Northwest pulled away in the second half behind the running of Hosey, in just his second varsity start.

The game was a stage for running backs from each school. Northwest’s Hosey and McKinney North’s Lamar Lucas alternated big runs.

The difference of the game almost hinged on a muffed punt return by Northwest, setting up McKinney North at the Texans’ 45 late in the first quarter. The Bulldogs went on to score for a 13-6 lead.

After Northwest’s offense came alive behind QB Prince Mavula, the Texans scored the next two TDs before McKinney North found the read-option working and scored the next 17 points.

Mavula kept the Bulldog defense off-balance by throwing to his favorite target, Leo Saldana seven times for 155 and a TD.

Key players: Hosey rushed for 406 yards on 37 carries and scored four times. Mavula’s passing was solid, going 18-31-1 and 221 yards and two TDs. McKinney North’s Lucas finished with 183 yards and three scores.

Key stat: Just Hosey and Mavula had rushing carries for Northwest in the game.

Records: Justin Northwest 2-0, McKinney North 1-1