Wharton edged past rival El Campo in a tight county showdown last Friday night, walking away with a 56-52 win to stay alive in the playoff race. The Runnin’ Tigers jumped ahead early, leading 21-13 after the first quarter and stretching it to 30-19 by halftime. El Campo rallied in the second half, trimming the lead to four, but Wharton held firm down the stretch. Frederick Owens and J’Dynn Lewis each poured in 15 points to lead the Tigers, while Konnor Beal led the Ricebirds with 15 in the loss.