By MARK MOLINA
Staff Writer
While the Harlingen Cardinals are feeling pressure from trying to avoid a two-game slump, the Los Fresnos Falcons sit undefeated at 6-0 on the year (3-0 in district).
Aside from staying perfect on the year, the Falcons can also stay in the driver’s seat atop the District 32-6A standings with a win.
Both are nice to accomplish, but the Falcons aren’t thinking about anything outside of their usual preparations.
“We’re coaching this game like it’s another game. We’re continuing to do what we’ve been doing and trying to get better at what we do,” Los Fresnos head coach Clint Finley said. “We try not to focus on our record. We just try to focus on getting better and better and the team seems to be doing a pretty good job of that.”
A Harlingen (4-2, 2-1) win will keep them in good shape in the district title race.
San Benito hosts also undefeated Brownsville Veterans tonight, so it is possible that four teams end Friday with a single district loss as one-loss should the Cardinals and Greyhounds come out victorious.
Harlingen head coach Manny Gomez knows that that is easier said than done.
“I know Los Fresnos has a well-coached machine over there and they do a lot of great things over there,” Gomez said. “”They take what the defense gives them and vice versa; they do a great job scheming.
“It’s going to be a chess match and a fun evening.”
Tonight’s game will feature the top two defenses in the district.
Los Fresnos is the top unit and has allowed less than 12 points per game to opponents.
The Cardinals are second and allow less than 300 yards to opponents on average per game, making them arguably the toughest test for the balanced Falcon offense.
Falcons quarterback Rene Ortega leads the Falcons and has completed better than 60 percent of his passes for more than 1,200 yards this year.
The Falcons are coming off a game where they scored three touchdowns on the ground.
The recent uptick in the running game is thanks to the Falcons’ tough passing game.
“It’s nice to be balanced. If you’re balanced, it makes it hard on the defense,” Finley said. “Our offense success has come from taking what the defense has given us. We have a reputation for running, but this year we have taken advantage of teams loading the box on us.”
Harlingen’s offense has played well, especially late in games this year.
Running back Leo Tienda is a strong runner and is currently second in the district in rushing with 739 yards and eight touchdowns, while quarterback Jesse Castro is third in the district in passing (911 yards, six TDs), so the Falcons task of stopping Harlingen playmakers won’t be easy.
That’s just how Finley expects it.
“We know we’ll have to play our best game,” Finley said. “Harlingen is very athletic, well-coached and they have a great tradition. Every time we play, it’s going to be a dog fight. We have to go out there, take care of the football and do the best job of executing that we possibly can.”