Experienced Refugio football team takes next step in quest for state title
Preparing for a high school football game during Thanksgiving week has become the norm for Jason Herring and the Refugio football team.
The Bobcats find themselves in the Class 2A Division I regional semifinals for the 17th consecutive season, which includes three state championships (2011, 2016 and 2019) during that stretch.
Refugio carries an 11-game winning streak into Friday's regional matchup with former district opponent Weimar, scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at the Farris Athletic Complex in San Antonio.
"I like where we are right now," Herring said of his 2023 squad. "The kids have come together, the leadership has been good. I'm pleased where we're at."
The Bobcats (11-1) haven't lost a game since Week 1 when they fell to Class 3A Hitchcock on Aug. 25.
Refugio followed with key non-district wins against London and Edna, which included a thrilling 42-41 overtime win against the Cowboys.
But Refugio has hardly been challenged since that contest after winning its next nine games by a margin of 473-43.
Herring said the team being close knit and knowing each other for years before high school has played a factor in them continuing to find success, regardless of the opposition.
The development of quarterback Kelan Brown (1,748 yards, 23 TD passing), plus the speed and athleticism of Ernest Campbell (34-704, 6 TD receiving) have been a key reason why the Bobcats are able to put up big numbers offensively.
Add running back Jordan King (102-1,355 rushing, 29 TD), do-it-all athlete Isaiah Avery, Chai Whitmire and Karson Herring on defense, and it's not difficult to see why Refugio is averaging 47 points a contest and allowing 11 points per game.
"They're a close-knit group and they always look forward to getting in the playoffs," Herring said. "They want to play in big stadiums and play in big games. They're excited to be here and they want to leave their mark and their legacy."
Still, Herring isn't focused on numbers or how much of an advantage the Bobcats might have against an opponent.
Herring's plan has always been to focus on each opponent equally and continue to remind his players that every round presents its own challenge, and will only get harder as they move closer towards their goal of winning a sixth state title.
"Nothing's changed," Herring said. "There's only 16 teams left so you have to stayed focused or you'll go home. We're blessed to have great kids that put a lot into it this program. It's rewarding to see them start in seventh grade and blossom into where they are now."
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Experienced Refugio football team takes next step in quest for state title
