SINTON, Texas — The regional round saw three Coastal Bend teams advance to the state quarterfinal on Friday.
The Sinton Pirates were one of them and senior Colby Hesseltine's family has long history in Sinton Athletics. He is now helping them achieve the Pirates' goal of a deep playoff run.
"Last night's win just was another step in the goal of breaking the third round curse and getting through the forth round," Sinton Head Coach Michael Troutman said.
After Sinton defeated Geronimo Navarro in the regional round on Friday, 50-14, Hesseltine carried the trophy on the field. He also helps carry the team on both sides of ball, stepping up in his final season to play defensive end, fullback, wide receiver and tight end.
"It's just a, a roll I took on that, it was my senior year, I just wanted to give everything I had left to this team," Hesseltine said.
Hesseltine is a recognizable name in Sinton—his family has played on the school's teams for decades. Troutman said it is a surreal experience for him to coach in his hometown. He knows Hesseltine's family and is proud to see him succeed as its latest generation.
"They're more to me than just a number, they're more to me than just players, they're family," Troutman said.
Hesseltine's family has experience in the playoffs, too. Eddie Hesseltine, Colby's cousin, was on a state championship Sinton baseball team in the 1980s. Colby is the last one actively playing for a Sinton team and said he works hard to continue their legacy.
"I'm playing for Sinton, got that never-ending S, but I'm also playing for my last name," Hesseltine said. "Everybody that comes to watch me, they see Hesseltine and then they all start remembering past people that played and I'm just trying to fill their shoes."
Sinton's win on Friday sent them to the fourth round for the first time since 2015. Troutman said Hesseltine's support from his family goes a long way setting him up for success.
"It transfers onto the practice field and into the games, into the football program," Troutman said. "There's something to be said about that, because it starts at home."
Sinton will play Wimberley in the state quarterfinal at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at San Antonio Southwest Legacy Stadium. Miller and Refugio also advanced to the fourth round.