By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — When football districts across the East Valley started splitting into zones because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fans started wondering whether the Battle of the Arroyo would be played.
But there was no question between the coaches that one of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the Rio Grande Valley would take place. Harlingen High coach Manny Gomez said the Cardinals and San Benito Greyhounds would play in a K-Mart parking lot if need be to bring the game to their communities.
Though it might not affect the District 32-6A standings this go-round since Harlingen High and San Benito are in different zones, the rivalry game still has plenty of meaning. Greyhounds senior outside linebacker Aaron Reyes said his team is looking for redemption after last season’s 35-13 loss.
“This year it’s personal,” Reyes said. “It’s personal to all of us because of last year, we got embarrassed, so this game means a lot to us regardless of the zone setting. But it’s just another game. Our coaches teach us to take it like any other game, so that’s how we’re preparing. But the rivalry is a great thing to be a part of. It’s been going on for many years now, and we just want to come out victorious.”
Though the Greyhounds and Cardinals buy into the mentality of this being just the next game on the schedule, they also go a little harder when the rivalry week comes around because of the tradition.
“The practices are a little bit harder and the coaches are a little more strict, there’s more emphasis on the important things,” Cardinals senior offensive lineman Hayden Mann said. “The history behind it and how long it’s been going on (make it special). At the end of the day, it’s just another game and another team we have to play. Just go 1-0 like we try to do every week.”
Both teams are expecting this to be a physical, defensive contest. The Cardinals (4-0, 3-0) are coming into the game on a high after clinching the top spot in the 32-6A northwest zone and securing a chance to play for the district title last week. San Benito (2-1, 2-1) is on a two-game win streak in which it has outscored opponents 108-32.
The Greyhounds will be without standout senior running back Kyler Castilleja, which Gomez said does change Harlingen High’s game plan a bit. But Reyes believes sophomore running back Nova Bejaran will step into the starting role and play well.
Reyes said San Benito plans to bring the defensive pressure to try to replicate the five turnovers Weslaco High forced last week. He said everyone has been focused at practice, and the Greyhounds like their chances.
“We’re feeling good. We’ve had good practices throughout the week,” Reyes said. “But we know how that program prepares, and they’re going to come hit us, too. We just have to be ready for 12 rounds and be ready for a fight. I’m expecting a defensive matchup. We have to bring some pass rush because the quarterback likes to hang in the pocket and hold on to the ball, so we have to bring some pressure.”
Gomez is expecting a competitive game but said the Cardinals also will use the contest to give non-starters a chance to enjoy the rivalry and play under the Friday night lights. He said the Cardinals are focused on creating synergy and working as a team as they look ahead to the playoffs.
“These kids grow up and they’ve heard about the Battle of the Arroyo, and they have their own dreams and aspirations, and now it’s their turn,” Gomez said. “It’s a big game for both communities, and that’s why I think it’s marvelous, because of the environment it brings.
“We know we have to play fast and physical. It’s one speed, full speed,” he added. “We try to do the best we can individually so collectively we can have a movement. We’re not just trying to create a team, we’re trying to create a movement that is like a current that doesn’t stop. My hat’s off to my staff for the tremendous amount of hours they’ve been putting in to make (the zone title) happen. The synergy that we’re creating is still not complete. We still have some moving to do to carry into the playoffs.”