When the 2026 Ganado Indian football season began, everyone knew Region four would be decided between Ganado and Refugio. Before that could happen, both teams had to win a couple of playoff games. After defeating Three Rivers 55-0, the Indians moved on to the Area round where they faced a much better Thorndale team.
Ganado was able to build a 14-7 lead after one quarter and gradually added to it before taking the 35-14 victory.
Refugio opened the playoffs with a surprisingly close 35-23 victory over Weimar, a team Ganado defeated 49-8 in early district play. The Bobcats then turned around and dominated a Rosebud-Lott team 4221.
For years, Refugio dominated this rivalry but over the last two seasons, Ganado knocked Refugio out of the playoffs. The difference is this year, the game happens in the Regional Semi-Final round, instead of the Regional Finals. Refugio will be looking for revenge for last year’s 14-6 Regional Finals loss.
The Bobcats are a perfect 11-0, including a 48-21 win over Edna, although the Rosebudd-Lott game was the first time since Edna Refugio had played a stateranked team. Refugio is ranked #1 in state.
Ganado is 11-1 with their only loss being a 38-12 loss to Tidehaven (ranked #1 in 3ADII). Until Thorndale, the Indians hadn’t played anyone good since the pre-district ended.
Refugio has outscored Ganado 603 to 526 and has allowed fewer points than the Indians, 107-198.
The winner of this game will be heavy favorites to win the Region.
The Regional Semi-Final playoff game will be played on Friday, November 28, at 7 p.m. at Sandcrab Stadium in Port Lavaca.
