Texas high school football is more than just a game — it’s a way of life. Dave Campbell's Texas Football is spotlighting a different program from across the Lone Star State, diving into their history, traditions, and legends. From powerhouse programs to hidden gems, Texas High School Football Spotlight is your deep dive into what makes each team unique. Whether it’s unforgettable seasons, iconic players, or fierce rivalries, this series celebrates the schools, communities, and stories that define Texas high school football.

Today's Spotlight: Refugio Bobcats

The Rundown

The Refugio Bobcats are kind of a miracle: how can this tiny town outside Corpus Christi continue to produce such outsized results? The Bobcats hold the UIL record for 48 consecutive winning seasons, a streak that began in 1978 during the Jimmy Carter administration. And they don’t just squeak by at barely above .500 – they dominate. The last non-10-win season was 2005. 

So, even in a time of transition with a new head coach and plenty of new starters, you can count on Refugio being in the mix for a state title come December.

By the Numbers

Class – 2A
Enrollment – 190
Location – Refugio County, 44 miles north of Corpus Christi

Trophy Case

State Championships – 5 (1970 (Co-Champs), 1982, 2011, 2016, 2019)
State Championship Appearances – 11 (1968, 1970, 1982, 1987, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)
District Championships – 52 (most recent: 2025)
Playoff Appearances – 57 (most recent: 2025)

Glory Days

The 2011 Refugio Bobcats ushered in the second wave of this South Texas dynasty by breaking a nearly 30-year state championship drought. Headlined by sophomore quarterback Travis Quintanilla, the Bobcats scored the 10th most points in a single season with 891. Quintanilla would go on to break the TXHSFB record with 186 career passing touchdowns. Three of those scores came in a thrilling 36-35 state championship win over Cisco. But it was the defense, led by AP Defensive Player of the Year Donald Trevino, that came up with the fourth-and-short stop to seal a victory.

The GOAT

Willie Mack Garza was a three-time all-state running back from 1985-87, leading Refugio to the state title game as a senior with 2,954 yards and 56 touchdowns. Garza became a four-year starting defensive back for the Texas Longhorns. As a freshman in 1988, he earned the Southwest Conference Defensive Newcomer of the Year award. Garza was inducted into the TXHSFB Hall of Fame in 2001 and currently serves as the safeties coach at Grambling State University. 

James Lott, a fellow defensive back at the University of Texas, earns honorable mention accolades. He was named to Dave Campbell’s 1980s All-Decade Team for his contributions as a defensive back at Refugio. Lott also set the high school record with a 7-foot, 4¾-inch high jump. His son, Jalen, signed with Oregon after a standout career at Frisco Panther Creek.

The Architect

As Refugio’s head coach for 17 seasons from 2007-23, Jason Herring led the Bobcats to at least the fourth round of the playoffs every year. He holds a career record of 293-61, the first TXHSFB coach to reach that win total in just 26 years. While he coached for two years at Wall and even won a state championship at Sonora, he’s best remembered for leading Refugio to seven state championship appearances. Herring stepped down as Refugio’s head coach in March of 2024 but remains the athletic director.

We would be remiss not to mention Bobby Kelly on this list as well, for leading the Bobcats to the state championship game in 1982 and 1987. Kelly compiled a 129-22-4 record over 12 seasons and coached the two best players in program history, Willie Mack Garza and James Lott.

Battle Lines

It’s difficult to find a rival for a program like Refugio, which has won 56-straight district games dating back to 2015. But the Bobcats have endured some playoff battles with Shiner. In Refugio’s last state championship season in 2019, the Bobcats overcame a 13-point deficit to Shiner in the final 3:04 of regulation, winning 45-43 on a walk-off field goal. Shiner exacted revenge in 2020 and 2021. But the Bobcats went 3-0 against Shiner, including a playoff win, when the two were district opponents in 2022 and 2023.

Home Turf

Refugio has played home games at the historic Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium every year since 1954. Well, almost every year. In 2020, the Bobcats played all their games on the road while the stadium underwent extensive repairs. Refugio has only lost one home game in the five years since it has been back. The stadium is named after Jack Sportsman, who, aside from having one of the best names of all time, was the voice of the Refugio Bobcat Football Team for 56 years.

The Year That Was

The Bobcats won their 10th district championship in a row and reached the state semifinals with a 13-1 record. Senior QB/DB Ray Lewis earned District 16-2A Overall MVP with over 1,300 yards both rushing and passing, while senior RB/LB Zander Wills earned Defensive MVP. Refugio led Joaquin 28-14 with 11:38 remaining in the state semifinal game. But a muffed onside kick spurred a Joaquin onslaught in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 37-28 loss.

Looking Ahead

Refugio will be on its third head coach since 2023 after Drew Cox stepped down with a 24-3 record in two seasons. But don’t mistake Refugio for being in an identity crisis. Cox was an offensive assistant for legendary head coach Jason Herring since 1998. The district followed a similar trend with Eli Boxell’s hiring. The former defensive coordinator has been with Refugio since 2001. 

Boxell’s inaugural squad returns just three starters, but all three were 16-2A DI First Team All-District performers. Matthew Perez threw for 600 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions last fall; he also had four interceptions and two pick-sixes on the defensive side. Perez will team up with ILB Weston Myers (154 tackles) and OLB Nehimiah Cavazos (144 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 FF, 2 FR) to spearhead the defense.

Xs and Os

Offense – Spread
Defense – 4-2-5

On the Rise

Keep an eye on sophomore WR/S Landon Williamson, a multi-sport athlete who played on Refugio’s varsity basketball team as a freshman and won the 400-meter dash at the Bulldog relays.

In Their Own Words

“Come on man!!!! Since 2010, Refugio is 204-26, played in seven state championship games and won three of them, made the playoffs every year and never had an earlier exit than the third round. The tradition and expectations that our kids and community have will not and have not changed.” -Eli Boxell.