By CLAIRE CRUZ, Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — The Harlingen High Cardinals opened their 2021 season with a 35-10 victory over Laredo United South.
They’ll look to go 2-0 against the Panthers at 7 p.m. today in a Class 6A Division I area-round game at Joe R. Sanchez Stadium in Rio Grande City. Even with a win against United South (8-3) under their belts, the Cardinals (8-3) aren’t taking this game lightly. But they believe they’ll be advancing to the third round for the first time since 2015.
“I know we won 35-10 the first game, but it’s different this time,” junior defensive tackle Pedro Silguero said. “They’re changing up their plays, same as us, so it’s definitely going to be a good game playing them again. It’s going to be a good fight. We feel really good about our chances to get to Round 3. We’re going to keep pushing, and we’re not going to take them softly, at all.”
Silguero has played a major role on Harlingen High’s defense this season. His physicality on the line is the first obstacle teams have to face when they try to move the ball. He powers his way into the backfield for sacks and tackles for loss often.
JC Moradel, Nathan Huerta, Christian Luna and Remzi Memik are players Silguero tries to mirror in terms of effort on the field. He said the bond and trust shared between all Cardinals players allows them to hold each other accountable, which makes everyone better.
“It’s really great seeing everyone busting their butt hard, driving every play,” Silguero said. “I feel like I’ve done great this season, but I feel like I can do better. That’s what I’m going to push for every game. … It’s the bond between us because we love each other so much and we trust each other (that drives us). If everyone does their job, that’s what makes us successful.”
Offensive tackle Roy Reyna has plowed through defenses to lead Cardinals into the end zone or to big running gains all season. The junior is a first-year letterman, and he’s handled the jump to the big leagues well. Reyna credited his linemates for backing his play and is proud of how the unit has performed.
“It’s a different type of play than the JV level. It’s way faster and way more physical,” Reyna said. “We have to come together as a unit to be able to block. We depend on the guy next to us, that he’s going to get there. It’s all about trust.”
Harlingen High’s skill players can trust Reyna and Co. to anchor the offense’s success. It’s a selfless job working in the trenches, one Reyna loves to do for his team.
“On the O-line, you don’t really get that much credit, but it feels amazing seeing your teammates score,” Reyna said. “I love all my brothers on the team, and I play for them every day.”
Reyna said Harlingen High’s early losses taught the team a lot. He believes the Cardinals are hitting their stride, and he wants to see a lot of red and black in the stands rooting for them as they chase a ticket to Round 3.
“We had some rough losses, but we learned from those mistakes and we fixed them,” Reyna said. “We’re coming together at the right time. We feel confident. Just have to execute the game plan. … I expect (our fans) to be out there supporting us like they’ve always done. It’s a Cardinal tradition.”