SHEPHERD — Another chapter in San Jacinto County football history has been written.
After falling just short last year in a narrow 34-36 loss, the Shepherd Pirates stormed back in 2025 to reclaim the coveted Battle of San Jacinto County Trophy with a convincing 48-26 win over the Coldspring Trojans.
Few games in East Texas bring the passion, pageantry, and pride quite like this one. The rivalry doesn’t start at kickoff, it begins days before, with businesses painting windows in team colors, fans trading predictions at local diners, and players feeling the weight of history on their shoulders. By Friday night, it’s standing room only, with both communities pouring into the stadium to watch their boys settle it under the lights.
Coldspring entered the field carrying the shining trophy, hoisted by Amandre Sparks, but the Pirates were locked in and ready to bring it back home. Shepherd won the coin toss, took the opening kickoff, and wasted no time. Benjamin Coyle broke through a seam in the Trojans’ defense and raced all the way to the end zone, electrifying the Pirate faithful. The Trojans answered with a strong return of their own, but Shepherd’s defense dug in deep near their own goal line, forcing a quick stop and setting the tone for the night.
By halftime, the Pirates had built a solid lead, their offense clicking and their defense keeping Coldspring from finding rhythm. The Trojans regrouped after the break, adjusting their game plan and striking pay dirt in the second half, but the Pirates refused to let the momentum slip away. When the final whistle sounded, Shepherd had secured a statement win and brought the county’s most treasured piece of hardware back to Pirate Country.
For Head Coach Miles Robison, the victory carried extra meaning.
“This game meant a lot to me,” Robison said. “I was raised in Coldspring, so I know what Trojan Pride is all about. But I also know what Pirate Pride means to this community, and tonight, these young men showed it on the field.”
He said the kids played outstanding offensively and defensively.
“I thought we started fast and finished strong,” he said. “We still need to clean up some mental mistakes. but overall, I was extremely proud of them.”
Robison also praised the discipline both sides displayed in such an emotional rivalry.
“One thing I’m especially proud of is how our guys handled themselves,” he said. “The personal fouls, those big 15-yarders, they’ve dropped to nothing. That shows respect, for the game, for themselves, and for their opponents.”
The Pirates not only reclaimed the trophy, but also proved they are a team to watch this season. And while the rivalry will burn just as hot when the two schools meet again next year, for now, it’s Shepherd celebrating as the Battle of San Jacinto County Trophy once again rests in Pirate hands.
Coldspring produced 296 rushing yards and 72 passing yards totaling 368 yards for the night.
Shepherd posted 402 total offensive yards, with Landen Dellinger with 94 yards on nine carries and two rushing TDs. He also went 3-for-3 passing and 3 TDs. Ben Coyle had 129 yards on eight carries age and 1 TD, and Brayden White pulled in two catches for 58 yards, both resulting in TDs.
The defense was led by Kyler Syracuse, Michael Weekes, Brayden White and Jacorey Davis.
