HARLINGEN — Edinburg Vela’s Jonathan Flores entered the 2024 season with big shoes to fill. The senior running back was tasked with replacing now UTRGV running back and 2023 All-Area running back Jamal Polley.
Through two weeks of play Flores has more than filled those shoes, ranking sixth in the RGV in rushing and tied for fifth in scoring heading into Week 3.
He continued to establish himself as one of the top backs in the area Friday, erupting for over 200 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns to lead the No. 3 Sabercats past the No. 2 Harlingen High Cardinals 34-16 in the RGVSports.com Game of the Week.
“Those are some big shoes he’s filling,” Edinburg Vela head coach Ernie Alonzo said. “He’s not a pleasant surprise like some people think he is though. We knew what he could do and he’s very capable of it. But also, the guys up front. They do a tremendous job. We know we have an experience O-line, and we ride those guys.”
Flores looked like a threat to play every time he touched the ball Friday, finding his way through any small crease he could find.
His elusiveness led to touchdown runs of 4, 6 and 13-yards during the first three quarters. He finished the game with 31 carries for 138 yards and three scores on the ground.
His biggest play, however, didn’t come from the backfield but rather on special teams, taking back a kick 90 yards with less than nine minutes remaining to put his team up by two possessions.
“I didn’t feel no pressure,” Flores said. “I don’t mind what people say. I play my own ball and do what I do best. Anytime I touch the ball I feel like I can’t be stopped. Every time I touch that ball I’m trying to score. If you want to stop me, try and stop me. I’m going to try and get that touchdown.”
Flores work on the ground was complemented by a lockdown defense, which picked off Harlingen High quarterback Jonas Serna three times during the second half, including a pair of drive-killing interceptions during the third and a pick to all but seal Harlingen’s fate during the fourth.
Harlingen High running back Noah Huerta was the lone bright spot in an offense that struggled most of the night, eclipsing the 100-yard mark and find the end zone at least twice for a third straight game.
His 8-yard touchdown run during the third brought the Cardinals within one after a missed extra point, but Harlingen High would get no closer, with a pair of fourth-quarter field goals by Edinburg Vela kicker Robert Gonzalez putting the SaberCats in the driver’s seat down the stretch.
Huerta finished with 19 carries for 195 yards and two touchdowns, adding two catches for 14 yards.
Edinburg Vela quarterback Geoffery LeFevre turned in a solid showing through the air, completing 19-of-32 passes for 240 yards. Derek Rodriguez, Sergio Briones and Luis Garcia each recorded an interception.
“We knew it was going to be a tough test for us,” Alonzo said. “Coach (Manny) Gomez does a great job with his team. There is great tradition here in Harlingen. To be on the road and win in this playoff type atmosphere, it is a great learning experience.”
The victory improves Edinburg Vela to 3-0 against the Cardinals all-time, also moving them to 3-0 to close out non-district play. Harlingen High falls to 2-1 with the loss.
The SaberCats (3-0) kick off District 16-5A DI play against Mission High (2-1) at 7 p.m. Friday at Tom Landry Stadium in Mission.
The Cardinals (2-1) will look to get back in the win column at 7 p.m. Friday, hitting the road for the first time all season to take on Laredo United South at the Student Activity Center in Laredo.