A former high school football coach for the Three Rivers Bulldogs never quite forgave Dewey Bellows Sr. for moving his four boys to Refugio in 1965.

The senior Bellows eventually moved back to Three Rivers, but his sons remain firmly planted in Refugio’s soil, so it was almost inevitable that at some point, cousins would someday play on opposite sides of the football.

Friday night in Gustafson Stadium, Refugio Bobcat wide receiver Quentin Bellows will face off with Three Rivers Bulldog lineman Bradley Bellows. On the sidelines will be Quentin’s two sisters, Bobcat cheerleaders Taylor and Shelby. The triplets (children of Dennis and Katrina Bellows) are seniors, so this will be the first and last chance the cousins will battle for the area championship.

“Quentin and Bradley are both competitive and want to be successful,” Taylor said.

Bradley stands 6 feet, 3 inches and weighs in at 260 pounds. Quentin is wiry and fast. Both players are honor students.

Taylor says she’s “definitely excited about getting my first chance to see Bradley play.”

Dennis says his father has been taking a little ribbing at the Dairy Queen round table in Three Rivers.

“They’ve been asking him how Refugio manages to get all the good athletes,” Dennis says.

Explaining to people that it’s not just about talent but about tradition, conditioning, dedication, pride and chemistry can be difficult.

But Dennis knows, without a doubt, that Dewey Sr. will be on the Bobcat side of the field, cheering with his granddaughters for his grandson and the Bobcats, though it may cost him a little ribbing when he gets home.

Dennis graciously accepted the microphone to call the games in the press box after the tragic death of Jack Sportsman. The press box also affords the proud father the highest perch in Jack Sportsman Bobcat Stadium to watch his triplets.

Like most Refugians, Dennis believes this is the year for the Bobcats to win a state championship.