WACO -- The Palestine Wildcats scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 26-12 comeback win over Waco La Vega on Friday in the season opener for both teams.

Palestine (1-0) entered the fourth trailing 12-8. The Wildcats took the lead for good on a 35-yard pass from Fabian "Gee" Clark to Sheldon Watson, which was followed by a Ben Luckett 9-yard run and a fumble return for a score by linebacker Isaiah Mitchell.

“It was a rough night, and it was hot,” said Palestine coach Lance Angel. “The kids got gassed on both sides pretty quickly, and we expected that. The thing I was proudest of was starting the fourth quarter from behind and getting the momentum back. That’s a true sign of a great team. We’re not there yet, but that gives me a lot of hope in what this team can do.”

Luckett finished the game with 217 rushing yards and two touchdowns, which included his 3-yard score and Jarrell Owens' ensuing two-point conversion that gave Palestine an 8-0 lead in the second quarter.

Palestine is back in action against Jacksonville at home Thursday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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