SANTO — The Santo Wildcats had every opportunity to fold the tent in their district opener on Friday night, trailing traditional power Muenster 17-7 with 11:19 to play. 

Santo however, used a couple of big plays, a big night from Hut Thornton and two fourth-quarter scores to rally with a 21-17 win in the Big Country Preps Game of the week.

Thornton rushed 20 times for 183 yards and a score and Jamie Sandoval scored the game-winner from 41 yards out to lead the Wildcats (5-0, 1-0 District 8-2A DII), who are now in the district driver’s seat after knocking off the league favorite.