MARK MOLINA | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Since falling to San Benito three weeks ago, the Cardinals have rolled along in dominant fashion.
This week was no different.
Harlingen receiver Michael Allen Gonzalez had a field day, racking up 212 all purpose yards and four touchdowns, as the Cardinals easily handled the Brownsville Lopez Lobos Friday night at Boggus Stadium.
“Every body has to rise to the occasion. If your name is called, produce and Michael Allen produced for us tonight,” Harlingen head coach Manny Gomez said. “We ‘re getting better every week and we want to finish this season off with a bang at the Bird Bowl next week.”
Harlingen (7-2, 5-1) is in the lighter part of the district schedule to end the regular season, but are not looking to slow down at this point.
“No matter the opponent, if the man upstairs blesses us with a day to come out and play, we’re going to come out and play our best,” Gomez added. “Especially on parent’s night, because these are the people who support, care and love us; we came out here and played hard for them.”
The Cardinals had nine total possessions on Friday night and scored on seven of them.
Harlingen’s average starting field position was their own 36 yard line, which Lopez (1-7, 1-5) football coach Jason Starkey considered the most daunting stat of the night.
“We just couldn’t make the mistakes that we made in the field position game, especially on special teams,” Starkey said. “We gave them fields of about 40 yards, but we just didn’t play sound fundamental football. Against a team like Harlingen, the score will end up being what it was.”
While the Lobos special teams unit struggled in the punting game most of the night, the Harlingen defense showed its mettle and allowed just 75 yards of total offense.
Despite not forcing any turnovers except on downs, the Cards were happy to get the shutout, which was threatened on the final moments of the game with the Lobos at the Harlingen 1-yard line.
“The guys took it personal and said they wanted to keep the shut out,” Gomez said. “They could tell me all they want, but go do it. That’s what they did and I’m proud of them.”
Harlingen quarterback Jesse Castro also had a big night, especially in the first half, throwing for 130 yards and three touchdowns on 13 of 16 passing.
Two of those scores were to Gonzalez on plays of 15 and 27 yards.
TIGHT DISTRICT: Heading into next Week, Harlingen, Los Fresnos and San Benito are tied atop the district with 5-1 league records.
Harlingen will face Harlingen South in the annual Bird Bowl with the Hawks fighting for a playoff spot; the Falcons face Brownsville Hanna and San Benito takes on Brownsville Rivera.
Harlingen South and Brownsville Veterans are tied in fourth place with 3-3 records, but the Chargers own the head-to-head victory and need only a win over Lopez to qualify for the postseason.