REFUGIO, Texas — The town of Refugio came together Monday night to celebrate the Bobcats' football state championship title.
"We take a lot of pride in our football team," said Refugio Chamber of Commerce member Oscar De La Garza. "Football is the one thing that pulls everyone together."
The state championship is the fifth in the Refugio program's history, and its first since Hurricane Harvey ravaged the town in 2017; making this title a lot sweeter.
"It means a lot to come back from a horrific thing like that," said Refugio band director Ted Buhrts.
For a lot of students who were left with nothing after the hurricane hit the city, football was their solace: It was their way to escape the pain.
"Football was their family here," said Refugio cheer coach Hannah LaFond. "I think the state championship this year is a reward for the hard work and making it through something as horrific as Harvey."
This state championship was not a given. The Bobcats had to claw their way back in several games, including an incredible come-from-behind against Shiner, embodying the city's slogan.
"Our city slogan is small town, big heart," De La Garza said.
The Bobcats and the city of Refugio showed big hearts indeed, and were rewarded with another state title.
