By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
LOS FRESNOS — If one thing was made clear over the course of several hours Friday night at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium, it was that no lead is safe for long.
Los Fresnos hung on for a pivotal 3-2 overtime win over Harlingen High after the visitors rallied twice from behind to force the two District 32-6A rivals to battle beyond 80 minutes of regulation time.
“In the first half we just squandered some chances,” Los Fresnos boys coach Michael Miller said. “They got a goal on us, we responded and they came back.”
Dante Esqueda put the Falcons (3-0 32-6A) on the board first, and Los Fresnos led 1-0 at the end of the first half. Esqueda also scored for the Falcons during their win over Brownsville Rivera on Tuesday, coming off of the bench to do so on both occasions.
At the 32-minute mark, Harlingen High broke through with a goal from Luis Garcia to even the game at 1.
With 18 minutes left in regulation, Tito Trinadad answered to regain the lead for the Falcons.
Seven minutes later, the Cardinals dug deep for another equalizer, this time from Jacob Garza.
“(Los Fresnos) is a great team,” Harlingen High boys coach Johnny Guillen said. “Coming into this game, they hadn’t lost (in district play). We had a great game plan (going into the game), and they got a goal late in the game. We weren’t able to finish. They were able to finish tonight.”
With 2:38 to play in the second overtime period, Angel Mancillas delivered a cross to Obed Sepulveda, who netted the game-winner from the back post for Los Fresnos.
“In overtime, we pushed and pushed,” Miller said. “We told the boys the last 10 minutes that we want to take care of this right now, and we want the three points. The boys got the three points and we’re in first place, so it’s a good feeling to have. Having to fight for it like we had to fight for it, it’s a good learning experience for the boys.”
Miller said he was proud of the way his team has battled through its district schedule and embraced his leadership, beginning last summer.
“They came and they accepted me right away,” Miller said. “(And I’m proud of) the drive they show and the willingness to get better. You win three straight district games and go into Rivera and win, that’s something this program doesn’t do often. I’m real proud of them getting these three district wins and putting themselves in a good position to challenge for district.”