KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — After Friday’s Bird Bowl XXV win on the gridiron, the Lady Cardinals aimed to sweep their crosstown rival Harlingen South on the volleyball court Tuesday.

Despite a fiery effort from the Lady Hawks, the Lady Cards silenced the home crowd with a 25-22, 26-24, 25-20 sweep.

With the win, Harlingen (5-3) remains in the hunt for the District 32-6A title and a playoff spot. Up next is a tough road test at district leader Brownsville Rivera (8-0). Rivera swept Harlingen earlier in the season.

“This win is huge to start the second round,” said Lady Cards coach Joslynn Torres. “We could not afford to lose this game then travel to Rivera. There was so much emotions in this game being that it’s Bird Bowl, but we did what we needed to do and picked up the win.”

The Lady Cards overcame a slow start, falling behind 9-2 in the first set with all the momentum in favor of South. But like they have done all season, the Lady Cards rallied behind senior Yazmine Martinez, who led the team with 15 kills while fellow senior Kirsten Kattan notched 11 kills. Julissa Munivez led the way with 24 digs while Alina Prado finished with a team-high 23 assists.

“We tried a new lineup in our first set,” said Torres. “We feel behind in that first set and I told the girls I had complete confidence in them and I knew we would come back and win. South has a very good team and the home court had an effect, but our girls answered the call and got the job done.”

Through the second and third set it was a seesaw battle. Harlingen saw its 14-8 lead slip away with Harlingen South rallying and tying the score at 25- all. Harlingen buckled down and showed its big game experience by scoring the final two points.

“It’s a little sad, this being the last time I play South,” said Martinez. “We came out with the win tonight and did some things we wanted to do. Coach had total confidence in us to adjust and make plays. We never felt we were in trouble we just played our game. This time around they (South) had more fight and got better from the last time we played.”

Bitter Sweet Homecoming: Coach Torres is no stranger to the Harlingen South gym. Torres, who is a graduate of Harlingen South and also played volleyball as a Lady Hawk, had her coaching debut in the gym she once played in.

“It was weird coming back as a coach and coaching in the gym I once played in,” said Torres. “Coach (Brian) Molina greeted me at the bus and had an umbrella waiting for me. It’s always fun to come back. It’s definitely surreal coming back as a coach trying to beat the team I once played for and I wish South the best down the road.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — After an impressive Week One showing, the Hawks have dropped three straight and lost their District 32-6A opener to Harlingen High last Friday.

South’s next opponent is Los Fresnos, which is coming off a loss against San Benito. The two will meet Friday night at Los Fresnos with kickoff slated for 7:30 p.m.

Turnovers have been the Hawks’ kryptonite over the last few weeks. The Hawks’ offense has turned the ball over two or more times in three of their four games this season. This past Friday, Harlingen capitalized on a pair of early Hawks miscues that put the Cards up 14-0.

“The untimely errors have been holding us back,” said Hawks coach Brian Ricci. “All we can do now is keep working hard, keep practicing and try our best to correct those things. The last two games we had self-inflicted wounds that really hurt us and put us in an early hole. It was a great environment and against a good team like Harlingen you can’t give them easy points, and we handed them a few scores and it’s hard to come back from that.”

South (1-3, 0-1) will look to rebound at Los Fresnos Friday. The Falcons (2-2, 0-1) are also looking for their first district win after falling to San Benito in their league opener.

“Offensively they’re athletic, their quarterback, Charles Chapa, is very athletic, and he can run and pass,” Ricci said. “They like to use him in different ways, they also have some very good skill players, they have a talented running back with some tall receivers and they have a big offensive line, so all that together it’s a pretty good offense.

“Defensively, they’re the same; they have size and speed. It goes back to us not turning the ball over and making metal errors.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Cardinals continued their dominance of the annual Bird Bowl as Big Red laid the hammer down on the crosstown rival Harlingen South Hawks 36-7 behind a stout defensive performance on Friday at Boggus Stadium.

Harlingen quarterback Daniel Ramirez hit Joe Reyna for three first-half scores.

Cards’ offense capitalizes on turnovers: On their first drive, Harlingen South fumbled the punt and Cards linebacker Eladio Flores recovered it at the Hawk 1-yard line. Ralph Castellanos capitalized on the turnover and gave the Cards the early 7-0 lead.

Later in the quarter Big Red’s defense forced another fumble, which was recovered by Garrison Medley. The Cards then scored on a Ramirez 47-yard strike to Reyna that put the Cards ahead 14-0 with 3:39 left in the first quarter.

“We knew we were going to have some success putting pressure on their punter. It’s a risk you take,” said Cards coach Manny Gomez. “It worked out for us. It’s a kids’ game and I’m glad we were able to make more plays.”

Ramirez to Reyna: After a punt, the Cards opened up their bag of tricks with a double reverse pass from Ramirez to Reyna for a 47-yard strike that made it 21-0 Harlingen and sent the Cardinal sideline into a madhouse.

After losing wide receiver Riley Sauceda to an injury, Reyna, who is a junior, stepped up and had a solid performance finishing with 99 yards and three scores. Two of his scores came from 43 and 47 yards out.

“Riley is like a big brother to me,” Reyna said. “He taught me a lot and I’m thankful for him teaching me. Tonight we knew it was going to be a battle. Being it was my first Bird Bowl, I had a lot of fun with my brothers.”

The Cardinals’ offense was crisp while running back Ralph Castellanos checked in a pair of scores in the first half. Castellanos finished the night with 15 carries for 46 yards and two scores.

With the win, Harlingen improved to 3-1 overall and 1-0 in District 32-6A. Up next for the Cards is Brownsville Rivera while Harlingen South (1-3, 0-1) will travel to Los Fresnos.

Tenth in a row gives Gomez his 100th career win: The 36-7 drumming marked the 10th consecutive season that the Cardinals downed the Hawks. Harlingen now leads the series 21-4 all time.

With the win, Gomez also recorded his 100th career win in his 11th season as the Cards head man.

“Wow, we all have goals,” Gomez said. “I’m blessed to be apart of this program, and have a great staff and support of our administration, and the kids show up everyday. But this all started back in 2007 with all those guys that started the program that helped me start the program. It’s definitely been a long journey.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

Over the past 24 seasons, Harlingen and Harlingen South have done battle in the annual Bird Bowl. And while it may not be the oldest rivalry in the Valley, it’s certainly provided memories for those who have played in it.

The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with some former Cardinals and Hawks to discuss their memories ahead of tonight’s Bird Bowl XXV.

Brandon Garza, Harlingen High Class of 2014: Brandon Garza was the Cards signal caller for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. During Garza’s junior year, he led Harlingen to a 38-23 win in Bird Bowl XX and finished the night 11 for 17 with 168 yards and two scores.

In Garza’s senior season, he followed up with an encore performance and helped lead the Cards to a thrilling 21-14 win in Bird Bowl XXI. He scored twice on the ground and finished with 68 yards on 22 carries. Through the air Garza went 11 for 18 for 92 yards.

“The best memory of the Bird Bowl would be my junior year,” said Garza. “We were predicted to lose and we ended up winning the game. It was one of those moments were I was proud to be a part of a team that did something nobody thought we could do.”

Garza is currently a junior at the University of Texas-San Antonio and is currently the second string quarterback on the Roadrunners’ roster.

EDWARD LEDESMA, Cardinals’ current Offensive Coordinator/QB coach, CLASS OF 2004: A majority of the Harlingen High coaching staff once donned the Cardinal uniform. Edward Ledesma is no stranger to Bird Bowl.

“For me, the most memorable thing is I never lost a Bird Bowl. We went 3-0 in my time as a Cardinal,” said Ledesma.

Ledesma started at quarterback his sophomore year in 2001 and won Bird Bowl IX, 42-17. During his junior and senior year, he played wide receiver as Harlingen won Bird Bowl X, 26-22, and Bird Bowl XI, 31-28.

“My sophomore year, we did a great job but we won the game and I scored a touchdown. I was playing with a bunch of seniors. That game was so important because after the game we found out we made the playoffs with that win.” Ledesma said.

OMAR GONZALEZ, HARLINGEN SOUTH CLASS OF 1994: Omar Gonzalez was a part of the inaugural Bird Bowl in 1993. Gonzalez played his senior year at Harlingen South, but spent his first three years of high school at Harlingen High. Gonzalez played fullback under coach Alex Leal at South.

In Bird Bowl I, the Hawks saw a 12-0 halftime lead slip away as Harlingen rallied to win 13-12.

Gonzalez is currently the offensive coordinator at PSJA North.

“I remember walking out of the locker room to see a sold-out crowd at Boggus Stadium. I knew I was going up against the guys I had spent three years playing with.”

BRETT Esparza, HARLINGEN SOUTH CLASS OF 2001: Harlingen South was looking for their first ever Bird Bowl victory after the Cardinals had won the first five meetings.

Brett Esparza, who is currently the defensive coordinator and head softball coach at Rio Hondo, played in Bird Bowl VI, VII and VIII.

Esparza, who played offensive guard under coach Alex Leal, was a part of the 1998 Hawks team that claimed its first-ever Bird Bowl win, 35-14. During his junior year, South repeated with a 17-14 victory.

That win would be the last Bird Bowl victory for Harlingen South until back-to-back wins in 2006 and 2007.

“As a former player, playing in the Bird Bowl was always something special,” Esparza said. “Playing in front of a standing-room crowd was amazing. My best memories were being able to share those wins with the community and the school that cared so much for the students.”

BiRD BOWL HISTORY

Harlingen leads the all-time series 20-4.

Bird Bowl I Harlingen 13, South 12 (1993)
Bird Bowl II: Harlingen 25, South 22 (1994)
Bird Bowl III Harlingen 29, South 0 (1995)
Bird Bowl IV Harlingen 14, South 7 (1996)
Bird Bowl V Harlingen 48, South 14 (1997)
Bird Bowl VI South 35, Harlingen 14 (1998)
Bird Bowl VII South 17, Harlingen 14 (1999)
Bird Bowl VIII Harlingen 35, South 21 (2000)
Bird Bowl IX Harlingen 42, South 17 (2001)
Bird Bowl X Harlingen 26, South 22 (2002)
Bird Bowl XI Harlingen 31, South 28 (2003)
Bird Bowl XII Harlingen 42, South 26 (2004)
Bird Bowl XIII Harlingen 52, South 36 (2005)
Bird Bowl XIV South 17, Harlingen 6 (2006)
Bird Bowl XV South 21, Harlingen 7 (2007)
Bird Bowl XVI Harlingen 54, South 7 (2008)
Bird Bowl XVII Harlingen 66, South 7 (2009)
Bird Bowl XVIII Harlingen 75, South 21 (2010)
Bird Bowl XIX Harlingen 69, South 7 (2011)
Bird Bowl XX Harlingen 38, South 23 (2012)
Bird Bowl XXI Harlingen 21, South 14 (2013)
Bird Bowl XXII Harlingen 21, South 3 (2014)
Bird Bowl XXIII Harlingen 20, South 0 (2015)
Bird Bowl XXIV Harlingen 23, South 16 (2016)

By KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — In what’s pegged the toughest conference in the Valley, District 32-6A begins its play tonight with two of the hottest teams in the league taking the field when Los Fresnos travels to San Benito at 7:30 tonight.

BATTLE OF THE QBs: The Falcons are riding high and are coming off back-to-back wins against McAllen High and McAllen Memorial. Los Fresnos is led by quarterback Charles Chapa, who has passed for 428 yards and three scores through three games this season. Chapa also has the ability to use his legs and has three rushing touchdowns on 167 yards.

Meanwhile, San Benito quarterback Erick Retta has thrown for five touchdowns and has 364 yards through the air. Like his counterpart, Retta can also use his legs and has 174 yards on 26 attempts.

“I think it’s a coin flip when you get a bye week,” said San Benito coach Dan Gomez. “In our case we just continue to work and stay sharp. There is a point during the bye week where the kids get a chance to catch up on their school work, and when it comes to football we keep working hard and work on things that will make us better.”

AIR IT OUT: Both offenses have had no problem putting up points through the first three weeks of the season. Los Fresnons’ offense is averaging 30 points per game while the Hounds are scoring 32 points per contest. Tonight could end up being an old-fashion shootout.

“You definitely want to play some good competition early,” Gomez said. “For the kids that don’t have varsity experience, they can get an idea and know what to expect, and we hope they carry that experience into district play and will be ready to perform.”

By KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

SAN BENITO — The search for a new softball coach is over at San Benito High School. On Wednesday night, the San Benito CISD school board made it official by hiring Denise Lira.

Lira has 13 years of experience at the collegiate level. Her previous stops where at Concordia University as the head coach, the University of the Incarnate Word as a first assistant and she also spent time at Mary Hardin-Baylor as an assistant.

San Benito athletic director Dan Gomez said, “We are excited to have Coach Lira join our Greyhound family and are looking forward to the great things she’ll be able to accomplish for our athletics department and our Lady Greyhounds.”

In a press release, Lira said, “I am very honored to continue to lead a strong competitive high school softball program. I am eager to get started working with the team and assist in creating strong student-athletes for the future. It’s a very exciting time to be a Greyhound and to be a part of a very supportive community. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”

Below are some of Lira’s career highlights:

Concordia University

— 21 ASC All-Academic Players.

— 24 ASC All-Academic Players.

—Overall record of 77-41.

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

— American Southwest Conference, 2010 West Division Coaching Staff of the Year.

— National Fastpitch Coaches Association, 2008 West Region Coaching Staff of the Year.

— Assisted first team in school history to compete in the NCAA Regional Tournament in 2008.

— Assisted in coaching a Central Texas All-Star Team helping them to compete against the USA Olympics.

—She has been serving at the University of Incarnate Word as a kinesiology adjunct professor since 2015.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — With the Bird Bowl being the talk of the town this week, Harlingen Cardinals head coach Manny Gomez reminded his players about one thing and that was to “keep the tradition going.”

The Cardinals will square off against crosstown rival Harlingen South in what will be the 25th meeting between the two schools Friday at 7:30 p.m.

“Our bye week went well. We were able to rest up and go over a few things,” said Cards wide receiver Joe Reyna. “This is my first Bird Bowl. Last year I wasn’t able to play in it, but this year I’m ready to help my team in any way they need me.”

Although this might be Reyna’s first Bird Bowl, he is no stranger to the rivalry. Reyna saw his older brother, Felix, play safety for the Cardinals. Felix graduated in 2015.

“My brother has taught me a lot about football,” said Reyna. “He gave me some advice on playing in the Bird Bowl and that’s to expect the unexpected. I’ve always wanted to be a part it and now I will get my shot on Friday.”

Harlingen has won nine straight meetings against the Hawks. The last time the Cardinals fell to the Hawks was in 2007, 21-7.

This year the Cards have faced early adversity with a Week One loss against Mission Veterans. However, they recovered with a victory over Laredo United South and then an emotional win two weeks ago against San Antonio Reagan.

Although the Cards had momentum after their win against Reagan, Coach Gomez used the bye week in his favor and kept the Red Birds upbeat.

“We were picking up some momentum the last few weeks but that’s the thing with the momentum, you want to keep it going,” said Gomez. “But don’t get me wrong, we will take it. It gives the kids a chance to rest and get caught up with school work, and we took full advantage of the bye week.”

One key for the Cardinals has been their play at the linebacker position with seniors Garrison Medley and Eladio Flores. Both have combined for 71 tackles and the duo made big play after big play against Reagan.

“After that first game, we weren’t mentally prepared. It was a reality check for us,” Medley said. “After that, we came together as a team and mentally prepared for each opponent. Here we don’t have just one star, it’s a total team effort. Playing with Eladio is great; it’s a brotherhood. He’s smart, fast and he knows his plays. I have full confidence in him to make plays.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

The Harlingen Cardinals’ defense has found its form over the past few weeks. A large part has to do with the play from hard-hitting linebacker Garrison Medley. The senior currently leads the team in tackles with 48. Medley will look to lead the Cardinals in Friday’s Bird Bowl XXV. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Medley.

—

Q: It’s Bird Bowl week and it’s your senior year. How much fun has it been the last three years being a part of it?

A: Nothing else can compare to the fun I have on the field during Bird Bowl. These past three years have been my most memorable years and being able to play in Bird Bowl was a dream come true from my childhood.

Q: Do you have any friends at Harlingen South that you’ve grown up playing against?

A: I met Brandon Bennett in middle school when he played for Vela Middle School. He is the only person I really know on the South football team that I have known before high school started.

Q: Harlingen has beaten South the last nine seasons. What’s it going to take to make it 10 in a row?

A: It’s going to take a team effort. We need all 11 players giving it their hardest on the field. We just need to take care of each of our jobs and do the little things right. The little things are what win and lose football games.

Q: What’s the best part of Bird Bowl?

A: The feeling of going onto the field for the very first play of the game. I get that feeling of euphoria and adrenaline that you cannot simulate anywhere else.

Q: What’s the one song that gets you pumped up and why?

A: It would have to be “Break the House Down” by Borgeuos and Tony Junior. This song just gives me goose bumps and I just get hyped to do whatever I’m about to do while listening to it.

Q: What’s your favorite pre-game meal?

A: A giant bowl of penne pasta with three tablespoons of butter and parmesan cheese with Italian sausage.

Q: Who is your favorite NFL linebacker and why?

A: It would be Carolina’s Luke Kuechly. He is my favorite NFL linebacker. His style of play is something I model myself after. He isn’t the biggest or the strongest on the field, but he makes up for it with speed and intelligence. He plays practical and smart, taking the right angles and playing the right reads.

Q: What’s the best part about playing linebacker?

A: The best part of being a linebacker is just the freedom to fly to the ball and annihilate the running back, quarterback or receiver. Coach Gomez gives me the freedom of a check defense and that allows me to go out there and ball out, and have fun.

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — Bird Bowl XXV is this week and the Harlingen South Hawks are looking to snap a nine-year skid against their crosstown rivals.

Both teams are fresh off a bye week and are slated to kickoff their District 32-6A opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Boggus Stadium.

“I think the bye week came at a good time,” said South coach Brian Ricci. “We needed a break to regroup and get ready for a tough district. Last week was more reviewing some things and getting ready for Harlingen, and we worked on some things we needed to fix. This week is a normal practice; we’re back to our normal routine.”

Friday will mark the 25th Bird Bowl and while the Hawks have only won four of those games with their last win coming in 2007, this year’s squad has the pieces in place to make Friday’s contest an interesting one.

Meanwhile, Ricci, who is in his second year at South, said that last season the Bird Bowl was something new.

“I had no idea what to expect last year. Everybody was talking to me about it the first day I got here so I knew it was a big deal,” he said. “Tomorrow (Wednesday) we have a breakfast with Harlingen High. It’s a great thing for our city because the kids enjoy it and we enjoy it. We’re excited for Friday.”

Hawks junior free safety Kaleb Solis, he grew up always wanting to be a part of the Bird Bowl. The Vela Middle School graduate will be making his first Bird Bowl appearance on Friday night.

“Growing up, I always wanted to play in the Bird Bowl,” said Solis. “Being a part of this town and the Bird Bowl is a big part of my family. I’m ready to get out there and play. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. My dad and my uncles all played football at Harlingen High so it’s an ongoing thing. They like to pick on me about it every day, but it’s fun to be a part of it.”

KEVIN NARRO | Valley Morning Star

HARLINGEN — Harlingen South’s senior running back Jorge Alicea is off to a strong start this season. Through Week Four, he leads District 32-6A in yards with 515, attempts with 94 and touchdowns with seven. Alicea and the Hawks are preparing for Friday’s Bird Bowl. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Alicea.

—

Q: It’s Bird Bowl week and it’s your senior year. How much fun has it been to be part of it the last three years?

A: It’s been a blast. (There’s ) so much hype every year that it’s awesome. But at the end of the day, it’s just a game like any other.

Q: Do you have any friends at Harlingen High that you’ve grown up playing against?

A: I actually don’t have any friends over there. I know who some of the players are, but I don’t have any sort of relationship with them.

Q: South hasn’t beaten Harlingen since the 2007 season. What’s it going to take for you guys to break the skid?

A: Executing every play. As long as everyone on the team does their job as an individual and we play as a team, we’re going to be OK.

Q: What’s the best part of Bird Bowl?

A: The best part is the rivalry between the two schools.

Q: You’re off to a great start to the season. What were some things you worked on over the offseason?

A: I worked on a lot of stuff this offseason but I mainly worked on speed, agility and the ability to catch the ball out of the back field.

Q: Do you have any pre-game music you listen to before games?

A: I do. I like to listen to rap because it gets me in my zone.

Q: What’s your favorite pre-game meal?

A: I like to get the steak and cheese sandwich from Subway.

Q: Who is your favorite NFL running back and why?

A: I love to watch (Pittsburgh Steelers) Le’veon Bell. He has changed the game due to his unique playing style and as a back that can do it all.