HARLINGEN — Harlingen senior linebacker Charlie Moreno may not be the biggest player on the field, but he has high expectations surrounding him.
They come from not only playing in thethe Harlingen program, but from being the younger brother of former All-District defensive end Ray Moreno.
Naturally, there is a somewhat of a proverbial shadow cast over him.
However, the shadow doesn’t bother Moreno, it motivates him to write his own chapter and become a better player and leader.
“(Ray) was No. 24. He was a defensive end and in my opinion one of the best players (during his senior year in 2013),” Moreno said. “He’s my role model and has made me want to get better, but at the same time, he encourages me to play faster and stronger.
“He tells me I better get out there, make plays and not let myself get beat by anyone; just play with everything I have.”
As a junior, Moreno was a 32-6A All-District Honorable Mention at linebacker, and this year has become a focal point for a Harlingen defense with 16 solo tackles (30 total), five pass break ups and a forced fumble.
During their four-game winning streak, the Cards have surrendered less than 14 points to opponents.
Harlingen head coach Manny Gomez, however, isn’t surprised at Moreno’s success.
Moreno has had to overcome off the field hurdles which have molded him and his work ethic.
“Charlie is the epitome of what Harlingen football is all about,” Gomez said. “He comes from a humble background and is a kid who has been in his older brother’s shadow. His family has also struggled for a long time so he knows what hard work is because he’s had to experience it as a young kid.”
In addition to getting it done on the field, Moreno has stayed level headed and excelled in the classroom as well, which makes him the perfect role model for future aspiring Cardinals
“The kid is top eight percent in his class and even though he’s a little guy, he’s got a big heart,” Gomez said. “That’s why he’s so dominant in what he does as a football player. No matter how big the challenge is, Charlie is going to fight through it.
“He definitely lives up to the standard of Cardinal football.”
While Moreno has settled into his role as a leader for the Cardinals, he continues to preach what Gomez has all season: team play.
“Everyone wants to be a leader on defense, but it takes everyone to come together and build that chemistry, which allows us to annihilate whatever comes our way,” Moreno said. “Every week, it’s a different game, but the same mindset. Everyone has to do their job so we can be successful, but that’s how Cardinal football is played.”