MARK MOLINA AND KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writers
After a rocky start at Harlingen South in the District 32-6A opener, Los Fresnos freshman quarterback Matthew Padilla bounced back during a 37-7 win against Brownsville Rivera on Friday night.
Padilla threw for 215 yards and three touchdowns on 7 of 18 passing and helped the Falcons rack up 425 yards of offense, the most since Week 3.
The freshman also may have found a favorite target in former starting quarterback Sergio Martinez, as the pair has hooked up for touchdowns two straight weeks.
Against Rivera, Padilla hit Martinez coming across the middle for what turned into a 92-yard touchdown, and the week before they connected for a 37-yarder against Harlingen South.
In two games, Martinez has hauled in four passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
MAKING NOISE
The Hanna Golden Eagles put up plenty of offense in their 44-27 district win over the Harlingen High Cardinals.
Senior receiver Miguel Payan was at the center of it all, as he hauled in eight receptions for 208 yards and two touchdowns, drilled a 35-yard field goal and made five extra points.
His efforts not only led his team to victory but gained him state recognition, as he was one of 10 players nominated for Mr. Texas Football Player of the Week.
Payan leads the team in receiving with 22 receptions for 504 yards and seven touchdowns, and leads the district with 73 points.
BOUNCING BACK
Harlingen South will look to rebound Thursday night when it travels to Sams Stadium to take on Rivera.
The Raiders are winless on the year, and the Hawks will shoot for their second district win as teams enter the stretch run. Last year, the Hawks picked up a 31-6 win in the regular-season finale.
Against San Benito, South struggled to generate offense, collecting 262 yards. The Hawks’ strongest drive was on their first drive of the quarter, as David Torres hit Cristian Cortez for a touchdown and the only score the first-team offense generated.
Hawks fans may feel confident heading into Thursday’s matchup. Look for the Hawks to rebound with Emilio Quiroz and Corban Hendrick on the ground.
STOPPING A SKID
Grey skies loom over Cardinal land. Dating to last season, Big Red has lost six straight district games, with the last win coming Oct. 13 against Weslaco High.
Despite the struggles, the Cards still have time to right the wrongs, and it starts with their Week 9 game against Los Fresnos.
Harlingen High has enough firepower on offense behind junior QB Jaime Galvan, as the southpaw again posted strong numbers against Hanna. Galvan threw for 323 yards with three touchdowns and two picks. On the ground, Galvan collected for 91 yards on 21 attempts and one rushing touchdown.
Joe Reyna finished with a season-high seven catches and two scores, which is also a season high. Reyna’s 135 receiving yards is the second most in a game this year.
Harlingen High plays host to Los Fresnos at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
ROLL CONTINUES
The train continues to roll in San Benito. The ’Hounds knocked off Harlingen South and, for a second straight week, the offense scored 40 or more points.
Jacob Cavazos stung the South defense with a strong night under center. Cavazos threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns while going 14 for 16.
Along with Cavazos, Kyler Castilleja ran wild for a season-high 131 yards on 15 carries and two scores.
Friday night will feature two of the top teams in 32-6A. Victor Campos and the high-flying Hanna offense head to Bobby Morrow Stadium for a first-place battle.