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Gainesville High graduate Deshaun Watson shines for Houston Texans in preseason debut
Former Red Elephants' QB threw for 179 yards, one rushing TD
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Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, a Gainesville High graduate, runs with the ball during a preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. - photo by Jason Miczek

Gainesville High graduate Deshaun Watson completed 15 of 25 throws for 179 yards as the Houston Texans lost their preseason opener to the Carolina Panthers 27-17 on Wednesday at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Watson, who guided Clemson to a 2016 national title, also rushed for a 15-yard score in the second half. 

Watson, a first-round draft by by Houston, entered the game after Tom Savage completed 9 of 11 throws for 69 yards. 

The Texans' leading wide receiver was Dres Anderson with four catches for 80 yards. 

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