KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN —Harlingen South fans know him as Jose Lerma but to the team, he is better known as “The Foot” or “Lerm The Worm.” Regardless of what Lerma goes by, he has certainly become a household name for Hawk fans in 2018.
Soccer has always been Lerma’s favorite sport. Growing up all Lerma ever did was play soccer. While soccer still remains a big part of his life, the senior has found another sport that he thrives in: Football.
“I have played soccer my whole life, it is what I was born into,” Lerma said. “I’ve played on the varsity soccer team all four years and the last two years I have been on the football team.”
In middle school is when Lerma started to show interest in football. Lerma began playing school yard football in sixth grade and in seventh grade; Lerma joined the team and started at linebacker and running back.
It was also in middle school when current South coach Danny Cortez noticed Lerma’s potential as a kicker.
“Coach Cortez would work with us in the weight room and he would see me kick when I was in junior high. Then I got to high school I wanted to focus on soccer, but I also joined the cross country team so I did that my first two years,” said Lerma. “My first two years I was debating on whether to play football or not.
“My junior year is when the coaches pulled me in and they wanted me to join.”
Lerma sees himself as a finisher. It is a level of confidence he gained in soccer that has now translated over to the football field.
“He (Jose) has made plays all season,” said Hawks head coach Brian Ricci. “He helps the offense out, we know we can get points on the board when Jose is out there, he is a solid player. I feel confident when I send him out there. It is not just the kicking too, he is an excellent punter and can flip the field for us.”
Earlier in the season, Lerma booted the game winning kick against PSJA North and against Los Fresnos two weeks ago, Lerma nailed all three of his attempts to help lift the Hawks to a win.
“I tell myself, that I got it, you have to go up there with confidence you have to,” Lerma said. “Kicking for an hour straight can be tough. Especially if you play another position, it all adds up your legs are always moving, it is one of the more challenging parts of being a kicker.”
Lerma and the Hawks will take on the Brownsville Rivera Raiders tonight at Sams stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.