MARK MOLINA | Staff Writer
After their season-opening loss to San Antonio Reagan, Harlingen defensive end Edwin Gasca said the defense was going to improve and could have what it takes to be one of the Valley’s best.
Well, since then, every week has been an improvement for the Cardinals.
In their last three games, the Cards have given up seven points less to opponents each week on their way to victories.
After allowing 21 points to McAllen in Week 3 and then 14 to Weslaco in Week 4, the Cards turned in their best effort last Friday by holding Brownsville Rivera to just seven points in a 45-7 victory.
In that game, the Cardinals allowed just 159 yards and forced four turnovers on the night.
On the year, Harlingen has forced 12 turnovers and are No. 2 in District 32-6A in total defense, allowing an average of 286 yards per game to opponents.
The Cardinals are on a three-game win streak and will look to make it four this week when they hit the road to face Brownsville Hanna.
THROUGH THE AIR: For the first time all season, San Benito threw for more yards than they ran for.
The significance is simple. The Greyhounds like to run the ball and throw when needed. San Benito averages 325 yards rushing and 130 passing per game.
Against Hanna, the Greyhounds got it done through the air as JR Gaitan threw for 285 yards and four touchdowns, all to Armando Medrano. On the flip side, San Benito was quiet with its ground attack, running just 28 times for 96 yards.
If the Greyhounds find consistency in the passing game, San Benito could be one of the most dangerous offenses to face, not just in District 32-6A, but also in the Valley.
HAWKS CAN’T FINISH: The Harlingen South Hawks’ 0-3 record might be a bit misleading.
Despite not having a win, the Hawks were unable to finish in two of those three losses.
Against Weslaco, the Hawks cut an 11-point lead to four, but could not finish drives late on their way to a 28-24 loss.
Last Friday against Brownsville Veterans, South held a 21-7 lead at one point, only to see the Chargers score the go-ahead touchdown on a five-yard run.
This week, the Hawks face another winless team when they host Brownsville Lopez.