FREDDY GONZALEZ | Staff Writer

LA FERIA — One way or another, Oscar Salinas’ halftime message was heard loud and clear by his La Feria Lions: relax.

After squandering a 14-0 first-quarter lead, Salinas simply told his team at the half to “take a deep breath and relax, you have done this before, it’s just another game.”

The words resonated with the Lions (6-1, 1-0) as they came out in the second half and scored 28 unanswered points to defeat the Kingsville King Brahmas (3-4, 0-1) 45-14, and start their District 16-4A DI schedule at 1-0.

“It’s very important to start off (district) on the right foot, especially when you have a five-team district,” Salinas said. “Last year we were on the other side of it, and we really preached getting off to a good start this week. Kingsville was a co-champion last year, so we knew we were in for a good game.

“But we played really well in the second half.”

After last week’s 14-7 defeat to Rio Hondo, it was crucial that the Lions come out and start the district on the right foot, and for the most part, La Feria did. Junior quarterback Dorian Hernandez found wide receiver Caleb Flores for a 10-yard touchdown to start the scoring (7-0) with 3:33 left in the first quarter.

On the ensuing possession, the Lions recovered a Brahmas fumble and add to the lead at 14-0, as Avishai Dickerson found paydirt from 9 yards out.

Then just as quick as the Lions scored, the lead was gone. Two uncharacteristic turnovers from La Feria gave Kingsville two touchdowns during the second quarter. A late 25-yard field goal from Arnold Gonzalez gave the Lions a 17-14 lead heading into halftime.

“(At the half) I told the kids that we need to stop hurting ourselves,” Salinas said. “Let’s just play some football, keep them in front of us, and play with more effort. We’ve been there, but I’m really proud of them because I know they’ve had some struggles, but they did a good job in practice this week. Defensively we’ve played well all year in the second half, and we gave a championship effort tonight.”

During the second half, the Lions’ offense quickly found its groove and responded as Dorian Hernandez found Eric Alegria for a 37-yard touchdown to give the Lions a 24-17 lead early in the third.

Afterward, Angel Garcia (1-yard TD run) and Darius Hernandez (69-yard TD run) found the end zone to give the Lions a comfortable lead.

“Tonight we just made the plays that we hadn’t been making, and we ran the ball well tonight,” Salinas said.

Next week, the Lions hit the road and take on Zapata.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Big players make big plays in big games.

Senior quarterback Jacob Cavazos delivered the play of the night during a 42-28 win over Harlingen High in the 88th edition of the Battle of the Arroyo on Friday night in San Benito.

On fourth down, Cavazos needed 11 yards to keep the chains moving. Tied at 28 with 4:49 on the clock, Cavazos hit Brandon Valadez for 12 yards and a first down.

“I just went out there and did was I was supposed to do,” Cavazos said. “The coaches believe in me and our offense. They called that play for a reason.”

Cavazos capped the big play with the go-ahead touchdown from 7 yards out to put the ’Hounds ahead 35-28 with 3:04 remaining.

After a defensive stand from the San Benito defense, Cavazos put the icing on the cake with a 2-yard score to seal the win.

“We saw the confidence in our kids,” ’Hounds coach Dan Gomez said about the fourth-down conversion. “You play the game to win, and we felt that was the right play call and we made the right plays on that drive. It is a testament to our coaching staff and how well they prepared our kids.”

The win gives the ’Hounds back-to-back Battle of the Arroyo wins, and Gomez is now 4-1 against the Cardinals.

The surprise of the night came from senior outside linebacker AJ Garcia. The senior barreled his way in for three scores, all from the goal line.

Garcia put the San Benito ahead 14-7 right out of the gate on two straight drives. The offense continued to roll from there when Cavazos hit Antonio Torres down the seam for a 21-yard strike, putting the ’Hounds ahead 21-7 with 6:06 left in the second quarter.

“That was just something we worked on during the week,” Garcia said about his three-score night. “It was a part of the game plan, and I did my best to help out my team. This is an important win for us; this is how we wanted to get district play started. This is fun, playing in this atmosphere. This was my last battle, it was fun. I loved it.”

The Cardinals chipped away all night despite a slew of offensive penalties. After recovering a fumble deep in San Benito territory, junior quarterback Jaime Galvan put the Cards on the board, cutting the lead to 28-21 during the final seconds of the third quarter.

On the next drive, Galvan hit Joe Reyna on a 21-yard strike down the sideline, setting up an 11-yard, game-tying score from Galvan with 8:32 left in the game.

“We tell the kids to never give in, to always fight whether we are up by three scores or down by three scores. We tell them to never give in.”

The ’Hounds travel to Harlingen South next week, and the Cardinals play at Brownsville Hanna.

“This win is amazing, we had a great week of practice and this was fun,” Cavazos said. “I couldn’t have done it without my offensive line, and we came out and executed our game plan.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Mental toughness extra effort or better known as M.T.X.E is a motto the Harlingen Cardinal football program goes by. You see it written just about everywhere when you walk through the Cardinal Field house.

Along with their winning tradition, what separates and makes the Cardinal program special is their coaching staff. Of the 17 coaches on staff, 12 of them are Cardinal graduates and played football for Harlingen.

Both Monty Woodall (1975) and Bobby Lucio (1978) graduated in the 70’s, Three coaches graduated in the 90’s, Rey Deleon (1995), Scott Swinnea and Manny Gomez (1990) and Rolly Gonzalez (1998) and five coaches graduated from the 2000’s.

Bubba Ledesma and Mando Gonzalez (2004), Rolando Olivo (2001) Clayton Creators (2002), Johhny Guilen (2006) and Alexester Serna (2001).

Coach Lucio is no stranger to the Battle of the Arroyo.

Intensity, emotion and family, those were three words Lucio used to describe the Battle of the Arroyo. Lucio was born in San Benito and attended his first Battle of the Arroyo in 1963 at the age of three years old.

“My family is from San Benito,” said Lucio. “My uncles were playing for the Hounds and I was taught to sing the San Benito Alma matter at a young age.

“My father was hired by the Harlingen fire department, so we moved to Harlingen and from there on, I became a Cardinal. I was the first member of my family to play for the Cardinals.”

Lucio is also a winner when it comes to the big game. Lucio went 2-0 in the years as a player and as a coach against San Benito Lucio is an impressive 23-6-2.

“We need San Benito and they need us. We are a coin, one side and the other you can’t have one without the other. We are inseparable and each side looks forward to being on top and that’s what we both look forward to,” Lucio said.

Coach Guillen meanwhile has memoires of his own. Guillen grew up a Cardinal fan and played wide receiver, punter and kicker.

It was Guillen’s senior year that sticks out the most for him. Harlingen trailed 19-7 at halftime before rallying back to win 29-22, clinching a playoff berth for the Cardinals.

“Right before the half, our quarterback Robert Sanchez hit me on an out route and my friend Ernie Tamez was coming to hit me. I remember jumping over him and flipping into the end zone and from there we gained momentum going into the second half,” Guillen said.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — The 88th installment of the Battle of the Arroyo will take center stage tonight at 7:30 at Bobby Morrow Stadium.

While tonight’s game is arguably the biggest rivalry game in the Valley, it is also the District 32-6A opener for both teams.

“To me this game is always played hard, and from that I learned to play every game hard,” said Cards coach Manny Gomez. “It was instilled in my family to play hard and as coaches it is our job to prepare the kids and execute. Every game is big especially in this district. It’s almost like every game is a playoff game each week and it will bring out the best in both of us and San Benito.”

Both teams come in off their bye weeks and are coming off losses in Week 5.

“It is an important game for us, but we also take it week by week,” said Hounds quarterback Jacob Cavazos. “We prepared all week to be ready for Friday night.”

The Cardinals found their footing offensively against Midland High in Week 5. Junior quarterback Jaime Galvan threw for 156 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Galvan also displayed his running ability, and ran for 158 yards and scored three times.

One challenge both defenses will have is to contain dual threat quarterbacks Galvan and Cavazos.

Galvan’s counterpart, Cavazos is also a magician with his legs. Cavazos has rushed for over 500 yards through five games this season.

Keys for the Cards:

Senior wide out Joe Reyna will need to have a big game. Reyna brings the home run ability to the Cardinal offense.

Reyna will line up against senior defensive back Nick Castaneda. Both Reyna and Castaneda are two of the best at their respective position.

The Cards defense will have their hands full with wide out Mitch Guajardo and running back Kyler Castilleja. Frankie Garcia is another weapon the Hounds like to use through the air and on the ground.

Keys for the Hounds:

The Hounds will need to limit the big plays from the Cards offense. San Benito will look to their hard-hitting linebacker AJ Garcia. Garcia is currently fourth in the region in sacks, with seven on the year.

Along with Garcia will be outside linebacker Albert Mercado and inside linebacker Justin Torres who leads the team in tackles with 37.

Offensively, the Hounds will look to establish their rushing attack with Castilleja and Cavazos. Through the air Cavazos will look to his trusty wide out Guajardo who leads the team in receptions.

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.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Senior quarterback Jacob Cavazos has played in the Battle of the Arroyo before. The only difference is tonight Cavazos will line up under center for the Greyhounds when they host the Cards in the 88th Battle of the Arroyo.

“It means so much to be able to lead the team,” Cavazos said. “I know my offensive line, running backs and wide outs will get it done I have confidence in them. I see it differently now that I’m the QB. We have all worked hard and are prepared.”

Cavazos grew up knowing all about the Battle and his father Henry Cavazos played quarterback for the Hounds from 1989-91.

“We talk about it all the time,” said Jacob. “It is a good bond he and I have; I can be a small image of him on the field. I was about five or six when I went to my first Battle; I just remember seeing Harlingen’s grassy field.”

While Henry never beat the Cards in his time wearing a Hounds uniform, he still looks back at the memories it provided.

Growing up, Henry always had his biggest fan watching him play. His biggest fan was his grandmother; she never missed a game and would support Henry at every game.

“As a player seeing her cheering us on from the stands meant a lot,” Henry said. “She was at every game and her favorite game was when we played Harlingen. She was 90 years old and would be there at the games with her face painted purple and gold. She would do whatever she could to support the Hounds.”

“Back then when I played, Harlingen had such tough teams, they had great players and great coaches, and they didn’t just dominate us, they dominated the Valley.”

“I played against Manny Gomez, Leo Araguz and Johnnie Jackson, they had some great teams, but they brought the best out of San Benito.”

During Henry’s playing days, he wore the number seven, the same number Jacob wears.

“I have always worn the number seven and I still use that number till today,” Henry said. “Jacob got that number on his own and it makes me proud to see him wear the same number I wore when I played. I never asked him to wear it, he knew it was my number when I played.”

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Like the Galvan brothers Dalton and Hayden Mann are another set of brothers on the Harlingen Cardinal Football team.

This year, the Mann brothers will take the field for their first Battle of the Arroyo together on the varsity. Dalton is a senior at wide receiver and Hayden is a sophomore along the offensive line.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with the Mann boys before the big game.

—

Q: Being a part of the Battle of the Arroyo, how special is it to be a part of such a storied rivalry?

Dalton: This game is huge because ever since I can remember I have watched the guys play in this storied rivalry and now being a part of it is a privilege.

Q: Playing a long side your brother what is that like for you?

Dalton: It’s just really cool playing alongside my brother I have always just gone and watched him play and saw how hard he hits; it gets me pumped. And now that we’re both playing together, it’s a whole different experience to see him in the same jersey as me.

Q: Tell us something the fans probably don’t know about you?

Dalton : What fans don’t know about me is that I ride MX (motorcross) and I am waiting for football season to come to an end and race my dirt bike.

Q: If you could compare yourself to any animal what would it be and why?

Dalton: I would be a Tasmanian devil because I am fierce on the field and like picking fights.

Q: If you could go back in time where and when would you go?

Dalton: If I could go back in time it would be to Europe because I didn’t really pay attention to the experience we had.

Hayden

Q: What is the best part of being a part of the Battle of the Arroyo?

Hayden: It’s an honor and a privilege to compete in such a historic event, along side my brother and teammates. I have watched this event since I was a kid in the stands waiting for my turn; now that it’s here we are ready to bring it home for the Cards.

Q: You wear the number 78. Any reason behind that number?

Hayden: It is a historic number that represents high expectations on the offensive line. I plan to honor and represent the privilege of wearing “78”.

Q: What is your go-to order at Whataburger?

Hayden: A number five, double-meat ,no tomatoes with a large lemonade and fries.

Q: How much do you and your brother talk and study football?

Hayden: We talk about football all the time; whenever we are around each other. Generally about who would win in a one-on-one.

Q: If you could pick any super power what would it be?

Hayden: Super Strength.

KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer

SAN BENITO — Week 7 is here and that means it is time for arguably the biggest rivalry in the Rio Grande Valley. San Benito will host Harlingen Friday at 7:30.

Senior outside linebacker Daniel Garcia will be a part of his second Battle. Garcia is a two-year varsity athlete and while he does not have any family members who have played in the game, Garcia is fully ready to take on the Cardinals.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Garcia.

—

Q: If you could describe the Battle of the Arroyo in three words, what would they be?

GARCIA: Physical, Intense and Fun.

Q: How special is it to be a part of the Battle of the Arroyo?

GARCIA: It is very special because this rivalry has been going on for a very long time.

Q: What is the best part of being a part of the rivalry?

GARCIA: I do not have any family that played in the rivalry. It is just me and I play for my team when I take the field.

Q: What is your favorite pre game meal?

GARCIA: It has to be the pasta from Dominos.

Q: Who is your favorite athlete?

GARCIA: It would be Tyrann Mathieu from the Houston Texans. I wear the number 32 because of him and he is such a great overall player.

Q: What made you want to play football?

GARCIA: I just love this sport. I also do powerlifting but I love playing football.

Q: If you could pick a super power, what would it be?

GARCIA: I would want to teleport so I can be anywhere and be on time.

Q: What is your dream ticket?

GARCIA: Really it would be to travel anywhere in the world.

Q: What is your favorite TV Show?

GARCIA: It would have to be The Office.

Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?

GARCIA: Abraham Lincoln. That would be a fun discussion to have with one of our presidents.

By KEVIN NARRO

Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — Last season’s loss to the San Benito Greyhounds left a bad taste in the mouths of the Harlingen High Cardinals players, and it was also their final game of the season.

After the loss, Cardinals coach Manny Gomez posted the final score (52-0) high in the weight room to serve as motivation for their next meeting.

“It lit a fire under us and motivated us for sure,” senior linebacker Marcos San Miguel said. “Right after the game, Coach Gomez put it up and it was there all summer and offseason, and it was motivation for sure.”

Like a majority of the program, San Miguel grew up a Cardinals fan and has known about the Battle of the Arroyo his whole life. His father and family members also have been a part of the rivalry as Cardinals.

“We always talk about it as a family; we just want to beat San Benito. It is fun, brutal and intense. Those are a few words I would use to describe the rivalry,” San Miguel said.

Junior linebacker Gabriel Martinez received his first taste of the rivalry last season and was able to get some snaps against the ’Hounds.

This year, Martinez feels he is fully ready to contribute and will get his first complete shot at the ’Hounds.

“Last year, I came in towards the end of the game and got some playing time,” Martinez said. “We don’t need any type of speech or motivation. This is a game where we know what we need to do and we will be ready for. Seeing the score up in our weight room made me want to get back to work.”

Martinez, who was born and raised in Harlingen, attended his first Battle when he was just 6 years old.

“I remember seeing the lights and everyone screaming,” Martinez said. “It is all a blur now, but I remember then I wanted to be a part of the Harlingen Cardinal Football program.”

This will be the 89th installment of the Battle of the Arroyo. While the matchup is the district opener for both teams, the game will give the winner the momentum it will need heading into the rugged District 32-6A schedule.

“It feels great to be a part of a rivalry like this, it is a Cardinal tradition to be a part of this,” San Miguel said. “We have been working and, over our bye week, we didn’t stop, we kept working. We are ready to show people we are ready.”

By KEVIN NARRO

Staff Writer

HARLINGEN — While the Battle of the Arroyo will take place Friday night on the gridiron, fans got an early fix of San Benito and Harlingen High as they wrote another chapter in their volleyball rivalry.

In their second match of the regular season, the Lady Cardinals needed a win to keep its playoff hopes alive and earned one, snapping its four-game losing streak.

Like their first match, it took five thrilling sets to decide a winner and, once again, Big Red trumped its rival Lady ’Hounds 25-19, 11-25, 25-19, 16-25, 15-11 to complete the season sweep Tuesday night in Harlingen.

“It is crazy,” Harlingen High coach Joslynn Torres said. “It was heartbreaking to see the standings and to see us alone in last place. The message tonight was for us to go out and prove to people that we are not a last-place team, and we did that tonight and I’m proud of the girls’ effort.”

The Lady Cards seized the moment in the fifth set, coming out swinging to take an early 7-4 lead and set the tone. San Benito rallied and trimmed the lead to 12-8, but that was as close as the Lady ’Hounds got.

“It was a crucial win for us, we didn’t come out as strong as we wanted to in the first round, but getting this one is big,” senior Desiree Sanchez said. “This gives us a lot of confidence going into our next match, and for us to beat our biggest rival as a senior, it means so much.”

Sanchez was a key factor in the win. The senior finished with seven blocks, and fellow senior Taegan Dickey led the offense with 22 kills and seven digs, Alina Prado also had a strong night with 10 digs.

With four games remaining, the Lady Cards are in the playoff picture with a 2-4 record and, with Brownsville Rivera losing to Brownsville Hanna on Tuesday, the Lady Raiders also have a 2-4 record. The Lady Raiders hold the tiebreaker.

The Lady Cardinals will play host to Hanna on Saturday, and San Benito will be home to face Harlingen South.

“Tonight it came down to who wanted it more and who made less mistakes in the fifth set,” Torres said. “Our girls kept their focus, and that was important. We have been through so many five-set losses, and that was my message right before we won. We did not want that feeling again for a third straight game. It was great to see tears of joy in our locker room.”

As for the Lady ’Hounds the playoffs are still a possibility. San Benito is on the outside looking in with a 2-4 record and meets South on Saturday.