The Refugio Bobcats bring just two returning starters on defense and one returning starter on offense into the 2026 football season. In addition to major roster upheaval, first-year head coach Eli Boxell takes over for the retired Drew Cox. Boxell has been with the Refugio football program since 2010 and has been a part of three state championship Bobcats teams in 2011, 2016, and 2019. 12 in the preseason by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, Refugio will start the regular season Aug. 28 at George West. While Boxell admits this can be considered a rebuilding year for the Bobcats, he knows the Refugio fan base expects the Bobcats to simply reload with younger talent.