KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star
Over the past 24 seasons, Harlingen and Harlingen South have done battle in the annual Bird Bowl. And while it may not be the oldest rivalry in the Valley, it’s certainly provided memories for those who have played in it.
The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with some former Cardinals and Hawks to discuss their memories ahead of tonight’s Bird Bowl XXV.
Brandon Garza, Harlingen High Class of 2014: Brandon Garza was the Cards signal caller for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. During Garza’s junior year, he led Harlingen to a 38-23 win in Bird Bowl XX and finished the night 11 for 17 with 168 yards and two scores.
In Garza’s senior season, he followed up with an encore performance and helped lead the Cards to a thrilling 21-14 win in Bird Bowl XXI. He scored twice on the ground and finished with 68 yards on 22 carries. Through the air Garza went 11 for 18 for 92 yards.
“The best memory of the Bird Bowl would be my junior year,” said Garza. “We were predicted to lose and we ended up winning the game. It was one of those moments were I was proud to be a part of a team that did something nobody thought we could do.”
Garza is currently a junior at the University of Texas-San Antonio and is currently the second string quarterback on the Roadrunners’ roster.
EDWARD LEDESMA, Cardinals’ current Offensive Coordinator/QB coach, CLASS OF 2004: A majority of the Harlingen High coaching staff once donned the Cardinal uniform. Edward Ledesma is no stranger to Bird Bowl.
“For me, the most memorable thing is I never lost a Bird Bowl. We went 3-0 in my time as a Cardinal,” said Ledesma.
Ledesma started at quarterback his sophomore year in 2001 and won Bird Bowl IX, 42-17. During his junior and senior year, he played wide receiver as Harlingen won Bird Bowl X, 26-22, and Bird Bowl XI, 31-28.
“My sophomore year, we did a great job but we won the game and I scored a touchdown. I was playing with a bunch of seniors. That game was so important because after the game we found out we made the playoffs with that win.” Ledesma said.
OMAR GONZALEZ, HARLINGEN SOUTH CLASS OF 1994: Omar Gonzalez was a part of the inaugural Bird Bowl in 1993. Gonzalez played his senior year at Harlingen South, but spent his first three years of high school at Harlingen High. Gonzalez played fullback under coach Alex Leal at South.
In Bird Bowl I, the Hawks saw a 12-0 halftime lead slip away as Harlingen rallied to win 13-12.
Gonzalez is currently the offensive coordinator at PSJA North.
“I remember walking out of the locker room to see a sold-out crowd at Boggus Stadium. I knew I was going up against the guys I had spent three years playing with.”
BRETT Esparza, HARLINGEN SOUTH CLASS OF 2001: Harlingen South was looking for their first ever Bird Bowl victory after the Cardinals had won the first five meetings.
Brett Esparza, who is currently the defensive coordinator and head softball coach at Rio Hondo, played in Bird Bowl VI, VII and VIII.
Esparza, who played offensive guard under coach Alex Leal, was a part of the 1998 Hawks team that claimed its first-ever Bird Bowl win, 35-14. During his junior year, South repeated with a 17-14 victory.
That win would be the last Bird Bowl victory for Harlingen South until back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2007.
“As a former player, playing in the Bird Bowl was always something special,” Esparza said. “Playing in front of a standing-room crowd was amazing. My best memories were being able to share those wins with the community and the school that cared so much for the students.”
BiRD BOWL HISTORY
Harlingen leads the all-time series 20-4.
Bird Bowl I Harlingen 13, South 12 (1993)
Bird Bowl II: Harlingen 25, South 22 (1994)
Bird Bowl III Harlingen 29, South 0 (1995)
Bird Bowl IV Harlingen 14, South 7 (1996)
Bird Bowl V Harlingen 48, South 14 (1997)
Bird Bowl VI South 35, Harlingen 14 (1998)
Bird Bowl VII South 17, Harlingen 14 (1999)
Bird Bowl VIII Harlingen 35, South 21 (2000)
Bird Bowl IX Harlingen 42, South 17 (2001)
Bird Bowl X Harlingen 26, South 22 (2002)
Bird Bowl XI Harlingen 31, South 28 (2003)
Bird Bowl XII Harlingen 42, South 26 (2004)
Bird Bowl XIII Harlingen 52, South 36 (2005)
Bird Bowl XIV South 17, Harlingen 6 (2006)
Bird Bowl XV South 21, Harlingen 7 (2007)
Bird Bowl XVI Harlingen 54, South 7 (2008)
Bird Bowl XVII Harlingen 66, South 7 (2009)
Bird Bowl XVIII Harlingen 75, South 21 (2010)
Bird Bowl XIX Harlingen 69, South 7 (2011)
Bird Bowl XX Harlingen 38, South 23 (2012)
Bird Bowl XXI Harlingen 21, South 14 (2013)
Bird Bowl XXII Harlingen 21, South 3 (2014)
Bird Bowl XXIII Harlingen 20, South 0 (2015)
Bird Bowl XXIV Harlingen 23, South 16 (2016)