KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — Greyhounds first-year defensive coordinator Johnny Garza knows all about the Battle of the Arroyo.
Garza grew up in San Benito and graduated from San Benito in 2006.
“Growing up in San Benito and playing football, the Battle of the Arroyo is the game you want to go to,” Garza said.
Garza remembers being at the old Greyhound stadium when the Hounds broke the curse in 1995 when the Hounds won 15-6. The win was the Hounds first Battle of the Arroyo win since the 1967 season.
“I remember being at the game at hearing the honking and seeing the celebration and that is what this game is about. It means so much to the community and it is the talk around town. I hope parents can bring their kids to see the game, it is a great experience.”
Garza played outside linebacker for the Hounds and it was in his junior year (2004) when the Hounds played their final season at the old Greyhounds Stadium before moving to Bobby Morrow Stadium.
“At that point I remember going into the Battle undefeated and Harlingen only lost one game and I love Bobby Morrow Stadium, but the way the old Greyhound stadium would get, it was an intense place to play and as a player we would walk out and see the huge crowd it was amazing.”
Garza is one of two active coaches on staff who played for the Hounds. The other is Jeremy Harris.