Photos by Aubrey Oswalt
Two 2A juggernauts, Shiner and Refugio went to war last night in San Antonio. The game was held at the recently remodeled, Alamo Stadium, which cost an estimated 35 million dollars to renovate. It’s one of the oldest and well known stadiums in Texas. Many local rivalry games and playoff bouts have been played on that field. It was nice to see how far it has come since its establishment in 1940.
The Shiner Comanches came in undefeated and champs of district 15 2A, mainly due to their outstanding defense. No team has scored more than 21 points on the Camanches this season. They have also posted 6 shutouts. “They ran through a pretty good district and nobody really challenged them. I think they’re here for a reason.” Said Refugio head coach Jason Herring. – By Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate Sports. Shiner is led by their two sport athlete, Dadrian Taylor, who runs a legit 4.4 forty yard dash and a 10.9 in the 100 meter. He’s one of those players that all he needs is some daylight and he’ll take it to the house 9 times out of 10.
Refugio finished the season 9-1 with the one loss coming from Shiner. This has been their main focus since that 30-19 defeat back in October. Refugio won the district last year but fell short in the quarterfinals. This year they look to get over the hump and get back to the state championship contention. No one understands that more than the seniors. “That’s in the back of my mind how each one of these games could be my last,” said Shiner’s Alex Bujnoch. “It’s just a matter of how I approach it.”
“I want to make it last,” said Refugio’s Daidrin Dukes, “and make every second count.” By Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate Sports.
The Refugio Bobcats edged Shiner 17-14 in a hard fought defensive battle. Taylor got loose early with an 85-yard touchdown to open up Shiner’s first drive, but he was held relatively in check for most of the game. Turnovers seemed to be the deciding factor. Shiner had steady momentum until they fumbled in their own end zone that was recovered by Refugio. Although that was Shiners’ only turnover of the game, it was a costly one.
The game definitely lived up to the hype. Both teams knew they would meet up again eventually, so they made sure to leave it all out on the field. “It was a preseason prediction, but at the same time a lot goes on in between that so you just kind of hope that you can hold up your part of the deal,” said Shiner coach Steven Cerny. “It just so happened this year that both teams did.” -By Mike Forman, Victoria Advocate Sports.
Refugio will face Lovelady in the state semifinals next week. Coach Jason Herring and the Bobcats are treating each game like life or death. This team wants to win state as bad as any team I’ve seen. The loss to Shiner earlier in the season ignited a burning desire to finish strong. Be on the lookout for Refugio, they’re not playing around this year.
