DAVE FAVILA | Staff Writer
The Harlingen Cardinals football team may not have won its Class 6A Division I regional playoff game against Smithson Valley on Friday night.
However, the Cards apparently won the respect of the opposition.
On Saturday, the San Antonio Express-News reported that after the Rangers’ 35-20 win, coach Larry Hill paid a visit to the Cardinals’ locker room where he praised the team for its hard play.
During a video that was shot during the speech, Hill can be heard paying respect to the Cards and their coaches.
“Here’s the reason I came over here,” Hill said as the Cardinals looked on. “I know a good football team when I see one and I know kids that play their guts out when I see them. I know a well-coached football team when I see one. And I just wanted to come over here and tell you that you’ve got the respect of all those players and coaches over there in the other locker room. You had our respect when we came off the bus.”
Harlingen head coach Manny Gomez said he was impressed by Hill’s actions.
“First of all, I was just trying to soften the heartache of my kids and I had just finished mentioning to them what Coach Hill had told me when, lo and behold, he walks in a moment later and reassures my kids on their performance,” Gomez said.
“I can definitely say that we can all learn from this. I surely will. He’s a great coach, mentor and definitely a great person. Much respect.”
The Cardinals actually led the game by 10 points early in the second quarter.
However, the Rangers’ offense woke up and eventually outscored the Cards 28-3 behind a 128-yard, three-touchdown performance by running back Hyuahda Roache.
The Rangers will now face state powerhouse Converse Judson in the state quarterfinals next week.
According to the Express-News, Hill’s speech to the Cardinals was not out of the ordinary. The publication reported that he has a tendency to write opposing teams notes after games.
After a 42-16 loss to Cibolo Steele earlier this season, Hill penned a letter to Steele coach Scott Lehnhoff congratulating him on the win.
Part of the letter read: “The Knights were well skilled and showed great discipline and coaching. That’s a tribute to your and your staff. Good luck the rest of the way.”