Refugio wins its third title in nine years

Offensive-minded Refugio chose the state’s biggest stage to flex its defensive muscle. The Bobcats held Post to just 93 yards of offense to win the 2A, Division I state championship with a 28-7 win.

Quarterback Austin Ochoa shook off a sluggish first quarter to pass for 207 yards and rush for 108 yards. He scored all four of his team’s touchdowns. Two first-quarter turnovers, combined with an energetic Post defense, proved frustrating early. Then coach Jason Herring simplified his playcalling, leaning on a heavy dose of Ochoa, to wear down Post’s defense.

“He’s the fiercest competitor I’ve ever coached in my life,” Herring said. “I’m so grateful to have him on my team.”

Beginning early in the second quarter, Ochoa became the bell-cow for the Bobcats. Over the final three quarters, Ochoa kept the ball 27 times, running behind an offensive line that battered Post’s defense with series of short gains. Ochoa’s longest run gained 28 yards – on his first carry.

Post led 7-0 after the first quarter despite gaining just 40 yards. Ashton Jefferson helped the Bold Gold cash in on Refugio’s second turnover of the quarter, but the Refugio defense buckled down. Ochoa’s first touchdown run tied the game with 3:21 left in the second quarter.

The Bobcats took the lead by leaning on Ochoa again. On the opening drive of the third quarter, Ochoa carried the ball five straight times. He followed completions to with Antwaan Gross and Naaji Gadsden with a one-yard run to take the lead.

The Bobcats never let Post back into the game. Post’s second half possessions included three punts, one turnover on downs and one fumble.

“All the credit goes to the kids,” Herring said.

Ochoa iced the game with a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns after passes to Jaden Hubbard and Ethan Perez.

Jefferson finished with 71 yards to lead Post. Zavien Wills led Refugio’s defensive effort with 10 tackles. Javon Williams added seven, including three in the Post backfield.

- Jay Plotkin

VIDEO RECAP

BOX SCORE

Post     7          0          0          0    - 7
Refugio 0          7          7          14 - 28

Scoring

1st quarter

Post-Ashton Jefferson 6 run (Dylan Greer kick)

2nd quarter

Refugio-Austin Ochoa 2 run (Alexander Placencia kick)

3rd quarter

Refugio-Ochoa 1 run (Placencia Kick)

4th quarter

Refugio-Ochoa 5 run (Placencia Kick)

Refugio-Ochoa 1 run (Placencia Kick)

Team Stats        Post     Refugio

1st downs          5          15

Rushes-Yards    32-92   39-121

Passing Yards    1          207

Passing 2-7-1    9-15-1

Fum-Lost          1-1       2-2

Pen-Yards         3-36     4-30

Punts-Avg         6-46.8  4-36.0

Individual Leaders

Post

Rushing: Ashton Jefferson 14-71, TD; Taytem Thetford 12-9

Passing: Slayden Pittman 2-5-1-1; Nathan McDaniel 1-2-0-2

Receiving: Nathan McDaniel 2-1

Refugio

Rushing: Austin Ochoa 27-108, 4 TDs; Zavien Wills 3-8

Passing: Ochoa 9-14-1-207  

Receiving: Jordan Kelley 3-31; Ethan Perez 2-93; Antwaan Gross 2-30