The first night of the UIL high school football playoffs was a good one for Frisco ISD, with both Frisco and Independence winning their opening round games. Here are recaps of the victories Thursday night:

(Statistics provided by Dallas Morning News’ SportsDayHS.com)

-- FRISCO 44, GREENVILLE 12 –

With the game up for grabs at halftime, Frisco made sure it was the team that took charge in the third quarter.

The Raccoons’ offense scored touchdowns on its first two drives of the second half, and the defense ended Greenville’s first two drives with interceptions. That turned a 14-12 halftime lead into a 28-12 cushion for Frisco and the game was never close again.

Bryson Clemons rushed 22 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns to lead a Frisco rushing attack that piled up 361 yards. Donta’ Reece rushed for 85 yards and also caught two passes for 63 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown pass from Caree’ Green.

The defense for Frisco (10-1) intercepted three passes and recovered two fumbles.

-- INDEPENDENCE 43, MANSFIELD TIMBERVIEW 28 –

In a game that Independence dominated statistically, the Knights still needed some big plays in the second half to put away Mansfield Timberview.

The Knights (9-2) got a lot of those big plays on runs from quarterback Braylon Braxton, who rushed 24 times for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Dwayne Orr also was a potent runner, carrying the ball 17 times for 129 yards and two scores.

While Independence had 502 yards of total offense, the Knights’ defense limited Timberview to only 157. But helped by a kickoff return for a touchdown, Timberview stayed close and pulled within a single point, 22-21, with a touchdown early in the third quarter.

Independence responded by scoring touchdowns on its next two drives. The Independence defense intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in the third quarter to help keep the Knights in front.