PREDICTION: Mason Meets Familiar Foe in Regional Final

MASON, TX-- The second-ranked Mason Punchers have made it to the fourth round of the UIL Playoffs for the second straight year.

The undefeated Punchers will travel to the Alamodome in San Antonio where they'll meet with the same team they've played in the playoffs for the last three years, sixth-ranked Refugio (11-1).

This matchup has the potential to be one of the best in the state and both teams are coming off big wins in the third round.

Mason has one the most dominant defenses in the state. Refugio, coached by Robert Lee native Jason Herring, has been playing tremendous football in the wake of Hurricane Harvey's destruction.

Since 2014, Refugio has won two of the three meetings between the teams with a combined score of 90-38.

Trying to win the fourth meeting will be a notably tough task for the Bobcats, though.

The Punchers' aforementioned defense is allowing just 3.6 points per game and have yet to give up more than just one touchdown in a game this season. This dominant defense has also registered six shutouts, with two of them coming in the playoffs. Oh, and by the way, this same defense has only allowed seven points in the playoffs.

Mason's offense isn't bad either, putting up 50.5 points per game this season. The Punchers have put up 45 points or more in 10 games this season, as well.

But don't overlook Refugio. The Bobcats are on a nine game win streak and their defense has done well, limiting opponents to just under 13 points per game this season.

That same defense has posted four shutouts this season. However, Refugio has given up 42 points in the playoffs.

Refugio's offense has been explosive this season, averaging 46.6 points per game. The Bobcats have also put up 45 points or more in eight of their last nine games.

Refugio is a team with a legitimate threat to Mason's title quest. But no one has been able to get past Mason's defense this season and the Punchers should keep that going again this week.

Prediction: Mason 27, Refugio 24