Ganado rides defense, big plays to stun Refugio in state quarterfinals
VICTORIA — Less than one month ago, Refugio walked off the field after sewing up a district championship with a convincing win against Ganado.
On Thursday the stakes were higher at Victoria's Memorial Stadium and the Indians were a different team than the one the Bobcats walloped in Week 11.
Bryce Ullman led Ganado down the field on an early touchdown and Dylan Holt had three total touchdowns as the Indians reversed their earlier setback against Refugio in a stunning 41-12 win in the Class 2A Division I state quarterfinals.
Holt scooped up a fumble caused by John Utley in the final minute of the first half to give Ganado a 14-0 lead just before half, dealing a huge blow to the Bobcats.
Refugio scored on the opening possession of the second half, but when the Bobcats were unable to recover a Ganado fumble on the next drive, the Indians used the good fortune to drive for a two-score lead.
Refugio could never regain traction on its way to finishing its season 12-2, two games shy of last year's run to the state title game.
Ganado advances to play the winner between No. 1-ranked Timpson and Garrison.
Thursday's highlights
Ullman's early success passing the ball set up the Ganado run game. The junior quarterback led the Indians on the game's opening score, a touchdown pass to Landon Hicks.
The Indians defense hemmed in Jordan King and kept the Refugio running game from getting on track and then forced a huge momentum swing with their defensive touchdown just before half.
Refugio converted on a fourth down to continue a drive in the third quarter, capped by an 8-yard touchdown from King, but the Bobcats were unable to recover a Ganado fumble on the next drive, missing on an opportunity.
Ullman hit Logan Bures for a 15-yard touchdown later in the drive and the Indians never let Refugio grab momentum again.
Thursday's stars
King led the Bobcats with 46 yards and one score.
Chai Whitmire caught the only touchdown, a 27-yard score in the fourth quarter, leading Refugio with 74 yards receiving.
Ganado's defense limited the Bobcats to 197 yards and 12 first downs.
Ullman was 12 of 19 for three touchdowns and 190 yards. Hicks led the Indians with four receptions for 83 yards and one score.
Holt led all players with 126 yards rushing including one score and added two fumble returns for score.
They said it
Refugio's Jason Herring on the loss: "They dominated at every phase of the game. Tonight the best team won. Three weeks ago, I was concerned, but we got some breaks that they didn't. We won that one, but I hate having to play a team twice. No excuse, but tonight they were the best team on the field tonight. It didn't matter what we tried, nothing was working."
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Ganado rides defense, big plays to stun Refugio in state quarterfinals
