2 minute read
HARLINGEN HIGH CARDINALS
Cards still among RGV’s best
The Harlingen High Cardinals continued their reign as one of the top teams in the Rio Grande Valley last season, winning their respective District 32-6A zone championship and reaching the area round of the playoffs.
They’ll have some spots to fill this season, but the Cardinals look to be as competitive as ever in 2021.
“Getting back on the field is awesome. It’s what we live for this time of the year. Super excited for the kids and what’s to come,” Harlingen High coach Manny Gomez said.
Harlingen High is poised to have an eye-catching ground game with the running back duo of Izaiah Bell and Kian Torres leading the way for the offense early. They combined to score seven rushing touchdowns last season and mix power and speed seamlessly.
The Cardinals only return four starters from last year’s top-tier defense, but they still have a bevy of talent. Senior defensive lineman Nathan Huerta headlines the group. Huerta has been a standout defender since his sophomore season and looks poised to have a monster season. Linebacker J.C. Moradel, defensive end Christian Luna and defensive back Paul Price will help anchor a young defense.
With spots up for grabs, Gomez and his staff have seen a lot of good competition at practice. Players that “were on the bubble” have been growing into quality backups and putting pressure on projected starters. Whether they’re fighting for a spot or making sure to maintain one, Gomez has been pleased with the effort from the Cardinals. They have the schemes on lock and are focusing on details and execution as the first game nears.
“It’s all about executing. We’re working on timing and chemistry,” Gomez said. “We do have some dudes that know they have their position, but I don’t cut them any slack. They know they’ve got to that position because of their hard work and determination, and you’ll see who they are when the lights come on.”
CARDINALS At A GLANCe
COACH: Manny Gomez
ASSISTANTS: Bubba Ledesma, offensive coordinator; Scott Swinnea, special teams coordinator; Rey De Leon, Mando Gonzalez, co-defensive coordinators; Mike Aguilar, strength coordinator; Clayton Cretors; Rolando Olivo; Alexester Serna; Mando Rangel; Kevin Ledesma; Alex Ysquierdo; Nathan Aguilar; Randy Bermea; David Henriquez; Juan Martinez; Anjel Gonzalez 2020 RECORD: 6-1, area finalist
RETURNING STARTERS (O/D): 5/4
RETURNING LETTERMEN: 22
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Nathan Huerta, DL, 5-foot-11, 255 pounds, sr.; Izaiah Bell, RB, 5-foot-9, 220 pounds, jr.; Kian Torres, RB, 5-foot-6, 170 pounds, jr.; J.C. Moradel, LB, 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, sr.
TX-30190242
Christina Palomo
AGENT
2312 S. Expressway 83 Suite D Harlingen, TX 78552 Bus: 956-421-5995 christina.palomo.twvj@statefarm.com
