REFUGIO — Eighth-grader Kobe Green is quick to admit football is his favorite sport. And, he’s good at it.

Kobe led the 8th-grade Bobcats to a perfect season and he’s anxious to play next year in high school.

“I love football,” he says. “I live in Woodsboro but I go to school in Refugio so I can play football here.”

But football isn’t the only reason Kobe caught Chief Andy Lopez Jr.’s eye.

“Kobe lives down the street from me,” Lopez said. “He has a natural charisma and he’s focused. Two weeks ago I saw him walking by with a football in his hand – he makes eye contact, he’s well-mannered and sociable.”

Host of the noon lunches, Ron Lucich, owner of Tejas BBQ, met Kobe for the first time.

“I’m seeing something good and I like what I see,” Lucich told Kobe. “Take that good and run with it.”