KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Kickers often are overlooked for a variety of reasons, but that is not the case at Harlingen High.
Senior kicker Jesus Reyna has found his spot on the Cardinals’ football team as its long distance kicker. The two-sport athlete is heading into the Cards’ regular-season opener with swagger and plenty of confidence.
“All the work that I put in the offseason, it is paying off,” Reyna said. “It all starts with mental toughness, and that is a big thing here at Harlingen. I kept my focus and continued to work, and now I get a shot to play under the lights and that is an amazing feeling.”
Reyna, who also plays soccer, always has had a knack for kicking. The senior came through the ranks and looked up to former Cardinals kicker Giovanni Guillen.
Guillen sealed his name in Cardinals history by nailing a 52-yard field goal with 3:51 left in the game, and it proved to be the game-winner in front of a packed Boggus stadium in the 87th Battle of the Arroyo.
“Since that kick, we kickers are looked at differently now,” Reyna said. “Coach Manny Gomez loves kickers, we play a big role in our game plans.”
The ironic thing was, Reyna, who was a sophomore that year, was in fact watching the game from the stands.
“It is crazy because I remember seeing that play and seeing the ball go through,” Reyna said. “I thought to myself, wow, that was a long field goal, I think I can do that one day and maybe even break the record.”
Reyna and Guillen remain close friends. The two played soccer together while Guillen was still in school.
“We’re great friends, he helped me in so many ways, he taught me a lot,” Reyna said.
Against Sharyland this past Friday, Reyna nailed a 52-yard field goal with room to spare, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to the Cardinals faithful. Reyna consistently knocks 52-yarders through at practice.
“Coach Lucio called my name; I went out there and just knew I had to make the kick. I have made long field goals before in practice, so it was a matter of me keeping my focus. It was a great moment for me and the team for sure.”
Reyna and the Cards will open the regular season at 7:30 p.m. Friday at home against Sharyland Pioneer.