Redemption and resilience: Dons outlast Wylie in 42-35 thriller

In a game full of big plays, costly penalties, and tense fourth-quarter drama, the Palo Duro Dons refused to fold. Despite a series of late miscues that nearly cost them the game, the Dons held their composure when it mattered most and walked off Dick Bivins Stadium with a 42-35 win over Abilene Wylie on Friday night.

The victory gives Palo Duro sole possession of the District 2-5A Division II lead at 2-0, extends their winning streak to five, and marks their best start since 2002 at 5-1. It also came at the expense of the two-time defending district champions.

That resilience was tested in the final minutes. The Dons led 35-21 early in the fourth quarter after Raymond Johnson V’s 11-yard touchdown run — his second of the night — but penalties kept Wylie alive. The Bulldogs capitalized with a two-yard scoring run from quarterback Jadin Karleskint to cut the lead in half with 6:57 left.

Moments later, Palo Duro seemed ready to close things out, driving deep into Wylie territory. But disaster struck when quarterback Julian Reese II was stripped of the ball near the sideline, and Wylie’s Jordan Lockett returned the fumble 75 yards to the Dons’ 5-yard line. Two plays later, the Bulldogs tied it at 35-all with just under two minutes left.

Reese redeemed himself almost immediately. On the ensuing kickoff, the ball bounced near the goal line, forcing him into a tough decision. Instead of letting it go, he picked it up and sprinted to the Palo Duro 49. A face-mask penalty at the end of the play moved the ball to the Wylie 36, giving the Dons a golden opportunity.

Even then, things didn’t come easy. Palo Duro lost eight yards on a dropped lateral, but Reese found Kyron Brown for a 28-yard strike on the next play to set up first down at the 16. That’s when Johnson, who had been the offensive spark all night, broke loose once more. His 16-yard touchdown run — his third of the game — gave the Dons a 42-35 lead with 53 seconds remaining.

Wylie had one last chance but couldn’t mount a final drive. A sack by Brown and a tackle inbounds on the game’s last play sealed the win.

Palo Duro’s offense finished with 471 total yards to Wylie’s 274, and Johnson led the way with 131 yards on 19 carries. The Dons will try to keep their momentum next week as they continue their push toward their first district title in over two decades.

For now, though, Friday night’s win proved one thing: Palo Duro isn’t just chasing history — they’re earning it.