WHITEHOUSE -- Whitehouse used its trademark passing game to claim a season-opening home win, 35-18, against Hallsville on Friday night behind junior quarterback Patrick Mahomes' big night.

Both teams came with rotating quarterbacks and designs on throwing the football, but Whitehouse outgained Hallsville 341-64 through the air. The Wildcats (1-0) had four passing touchdowns, including three from Mahomes, who completed 18 of 23 passes for 220 yards. Whitehouse receivers Dylan Cantrell, a Texas Tech commit, and Cole Patterson combined for 165 receiving yards.

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Hallsville defensive end Coby Bradford's five sacks made Mahomes and company earn their yards. Hallsville's rushing attack put up respectable numbers as well, with Thaddeus Fagan rushing for 124 yards on 16 carries, and dual-threat quarterback Macailyn Wilder ran 15 times for 94 yards.

Wilder helped provide the well-timed spark that kept Hallsville in the game during the third quarter.

Hallsville (0-1) fought back from a 14-3 halftime deficit, and the Bobcats responded  when they needed to. After a Whitehouse second half-opening scoring drive, Hallsville scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground and added a two-point conversion, closing the Wildcats' lead to three points, 21-18.

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Penalties stifled Hallsville's comeback charge, and a blocked punt, short field, and Whitehouse's precise passing put the game out of reach. Whitehouse scored on two possessions in the 4th quarter to seal the 17-point win.

Whitehouse plays Chapel Hill (0-1) on Friday at TMF Rose Stadium in Tyler. Hallsville hosts Van (1-0).

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