By MARK MOLINA
Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — For the 87th time, The Harlingen Cardinals and the San Benito Greyhounds go at it in the Battle of the Arroyo.
Last year’s edition ended in thrilling fashion as the San Benito Greyhounds overcame a 21-3 deficit in the game’s final minutes and escaped with a 25-21 win over the Harlingen Cardinals.
Still, even with the emotional atmosphere, don’t expect either coach to dwell on the rivalry heading into tonight’s game at Boggus Stadium.
“It’s water under the bridge. Whatever happened last year is last year; we don’t talk about it,” said Harlingen head coach Manny Gomez. “Every year whether we win or lose, it’s in the past. We have different players and different mindsets.”
For Harlingen (4-1, 2-0), they’re riding a four-game winning streak and are one of three 2-0 teams in District 32-6A.
San Benito (3-2, 1-1), however, has their focus on rebounding after a 14-7 loss to Los Fresnos last week.
“It’s a district game and every one of these games is very important, especially in the district we’re in,” San Benito head coach Dan Gomez said. “We understand the history, but all we understand is that it’s our next important district game and we want to get back on track.”
Last week, San Benito’s offense wasn’t the dominant team which has averaged nearly 40 points behind the play of quarterback JR Gaitan and running back Edward Alvarez.
Both among the top five rushers in the district
and have run for .
Against Los Fresnos, the ‘Hounds scored just seven points and held to just 291 yards of total offense, with Gaitan throwing just one touchdown pass and leading the team in rushing with 80 yards.
San Benito’s Gomez hopes for a better result, but will stay the course and leave adjustments to a minimum.
“We’re just doing the same thing and putting in the time on the field and in the film room,” he said. “We just want to tighten up any loose screws we may have had and get ready for another good football game.”
Harlingen’s defense will also present another big challenge, as they allow just 288 yards and less than 20 points per game to opponents.
Meanwhile, the Cardinal offense has looked sharp, averaging nearly 34 points per game with a balanced attack.
Quarterback Jesse Castro is No. 3 in the district with 744 yards and six touchdowns, while running back Leo Tienda is second among rushers with 637 yards on the ground and seven scores.
If the Cardinal offensive can continue their solid play in the trenches, Tienda and Castro can have success against a San Benito’s defense that has struggled at times.
A good start is important for the Cardinal offense, which has gotten off to slow offensive starts.
“It’s important that we come out early and play Cardinal football,” Harlingen’s Gomez said. “I know there will be some emotion, but when the dust settles it’s about execution. The team who shows up and plays their best despite conditions and limits turnovers is usually going to come out victorious.”
GREAT AMERICAN RIVALY
The Great American Rivalry Series announced this week that the Battle of the Arroyo will be featured in their 2015 series which will feature some of the longest-running rivalries nationwide.
There will be 100 showdowns featured nationwide.
The game will be presented by the United States Marine Corps.
The winning team will receive the Great American Rivalry Series Champions trophy, while the game’s MVP and top student-athlete will be recognized as part of the series.
There will also be an alumnus from each school inducted into the 12th class of the GARS Hall of Fame.
Harlingen has dominated the series with a 58-21-5 record, which includes a 2-0 mark in postseason play.