By STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
McALLEN — In a game featuring the wild momentum swings that are nearly inevitable when both sides combine for 10 turnovers, the one rock-solid constant was the Harlingen South defense, which came up big on several occasions in a 44-14 non-district road win over McAllen High on Thursday night.
“Tonight we were a little sloppy with the ball,” said Harlingen South coach Brian Ricci. “But I was proud of how the kids were able to respond after we (turned the ball over) and the momentum started changing.”
Ricci added he was particularly proud of his sophomore starters on defense, including free safety Devin Montemayor, outside linebacker Joshua Cantu, and middle linebacker Levi Ince.
“They’re growing up very quickly,” Ricci said. “I think they should get a lot of credit for going out there as starters and really competing.”
The Hawks (2-1) built up an early lead after two Leo Torres field goals and senior running back Israel Vasquez found paydirt on fourth down from the McHi 1-yard line. Vazquez picked up his second touchdown of the night with 10 seconds to go in the first half, also from a yard out.
The margin grew to 19-0 with 6:02 to play in the first half when senior quarterback David Torres hit Jacob Carreon on 4th-and-2 for a 16-yard touchdown in the corner of the end zone.
“(Torres) did a great job tonight,” Ricci said. “He controlled the game. He threw the ball well. He does a great job of keeping our kids level-headed and focused on the game.”
Cornerback Kike Alvarado had two interceptions for Harlingen South, including one that was deflected.
“(Alvarado) is really playing well,” Ricci said. “Im proud of him. He’s always in position, and he’s a good player.”
The Bulldogs (2-1) were able to generate momentum after forcing and recovering three fumbles off of Harlingen South kickoffs. They also recovered two fumbles by the Hawks’ backfield.
The Hawks kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard until the 2:53 mark of the second quarter, sparked by Dylan Suarez’s 60-yard interception return for McHi that brought the ball into Harlingen South territory, stopped at the 8-yard-line by David Torres.
McHi sophomore quarterback Hunter Curl then found senior wide receiver Aldo Morin for a 4-yard touchdown reception to give the home team its first points of the evening.
Curl brought the Bulldogs within two scores when he tossed a 14-yard touchdown pass to wideout Felipe Magana with 11:28 to go in the third quarter. Curl’s backup Robert Amador threw two interceptions, one to Jeremiah Rivera, and the other to Michael Becerra.
When tight end Brady Bennett hauled in a 14-yard touchdown pass from David Torres, the Hawks went up 34-14 with 6:07 to go in the third quarter and effectively put the game away.
Senior running back Chad Roy’s one-yard touchdown run and a chipshot field goal by Leo Torres brought the scoresheet to its final margin.
The Hawks will host Weslaco High next Friday, and the Bulldogs are on a bye.