HARLINGEN — In 2021, the Harlingen South Hawks had their first winning season since 2013 and their first outright district championship since 2007.
The Hawks achieved a lot under first-year head coach Israel Gonzalez III, a 10-0 season and the District 32-6A championship. Late-season injuries derailed South’s chances at a deep playoff run, as they were knocked out in the bi-district round to PSJA North.
The Hawks set the bar high and open this year as RGVSports.com’s No. 7 team in the Rio Grande Valley.
There is a new challenge this year at South, competing for a District 16-5A Division I title with only five returning starters.
A good place to have returning starters is at linebacker. The Hawks return three good ones with Caleb Anaya, Andrew Luna and Ethan Garza. The trio combined for 117 solo tackles and 11 sacks.
“We were a small 6A school, but we were able to perform at the best of our ability,” Anaya said. “At 5A, we have a great chance of succeeding still. No matter who we play against, we will push forward and do our best to succeed.”
On offense, the Hawks will replace 10 starters, but will have senior running back Carlos Moss-Boss and his 402 rushing yards from 2021 and Jacob Cano’s 238 all-purpose yards to lean on in 2022. Both had three touchdowns each last season.
“We feel good,” Cano said. “It is just another year, going to carry on from last year’s undefeated season.”
Other players expected to step up this year will be Desmand Cano, August Wilson, David Sanchez, Gilbert Lerma and Mikey Gonzalez.
The Hawks kick off the season against city rivals Harlingen High in the Bird Bowl. They then host Weslaco High before heading to Brownsville in back-to-back weeks to take on Hanna and Rivera.
South opens District 16-5A DI play against Weslaco East in Weslaco. The Hawks end district play away at Brownsville Veterans Memorial and Donna High.