EDINBURG — The Harlingen Cardinals got their 2017 season off on the right foot as they picked up a 14-7 scrimmage win against Edinburg North Friday night at Flores Stadium.
Harlingen got a good glimpse of its offense with quarterback Daniel Ramirez. The senior completed four passes for 20 yards or more, and directed the offense up and down the field out of the spread attack.
On the night, Harlingen’s offense racked up 391 total yards with 292 yards coming through the air. Ramirez was in sync with his receiving corps hitting Joe Reyna Jr. and Riley Sauceda.
The Red Birds also showed some home run ability as Ramirez hit Reyna on a screen pass and Reyna did the rest, going 74 yards for the score.
Senior running back Abel Castaneda capped off the night with a 38-yard touchdown run. Castaneda is expected to be the Cards’ workhorse this season.
The Cardinals’ defense also had a strong showing, allowing just 57 rushing yards and 179 yards through the air. Senior defensive end Sam Alonzo constantly caused trouble for the right tackle, and was disruptive all evening in the passing and run game. Eladio Flores and Cameron Anderson also had a strong showing along the defensive line.
“I thought Ramirez played with poise and confidence,” said Cards coach Manny Gomez. “Defensively, we were relentless and resilient with Alozno on the defensive line.”
Harlingen will return to Boggus Stadium on Friday when they host the Sharyland Rattlers. The Cards open the 2017 regular season against Mission Veterans Memorial on Aug. 31 at McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium.