KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Entering tonight’s matchup with San Benito, Harlingen South will do so with a little pep in their step. The Hawks are fresh off a win against Los Fresnos and are looking for a 2-0 district start when the Hounds come to town tonight at 7:30 p.m.
The Hawks are playing with confidence and have shown maturity over the first half of the season.
“In a six team district, winning that first district game is really big and the kids are excited,” said Hawks coach Brian Ricci. “Each game is magnified and the kids had a great week of practice and the kids are feeding off of it.”
South will have their work cut out for them with San Benito’s duel threat QB Jacob Cavazos. The senior creates problems with his legs and has the ability to tuck the ball and run.
“He (Jacob) is a great athlete,” said Ricci. “He has the ability to make people miss so that is one thing we talked about as a defense is to get to the ball quick and make the tackle. Their offense has plenty of speed and Jacob makes that offense go and we have to slow him down or else it will be a long day for us.”
South will counter with their QB David Torres who is putting together a strong junior campaign. The Hawks offense is at its best when they establish a rushing attack with Emilio Quiroz and Corban Hendrick.
“We have to be able to move the chains and get first downs and it’s important for us to keep drives going against a good offense like San Benito. Punting is not always a bad thing, but going three and out is.”
The Hawks have some wins under their belt and have already won more games than they did last year and the confidence is starting to show on the field.
“Obviously our goal is to reach the playoffs and compete for a district title that is something we talked about over the off season and at the start of the year,” said Ricci. “What we are seeing in this years team is they are focused, they have been here before and they know what to do, they know what it takes. The kids are doing a good job on taking it a week at a time.”