BY JON R. LaFOLLETTE | STAFF WRITER
It’s a forgone conclusion the Weslaco High Panthers are going to run the ball. Not just as a means to set up the pass, but as a part-and-parcel of their offensive attack. From coach Tony Villarreal on down to the cheerleaders and concession workers, everyone knows what to expect from the Panthers.
So don’t waste time waiting to be surprised when Weslaco hosts the Harlingen High Cardinals at 7:30 p.m. at Bobby Lackey Stadium. By employing the slot-T, the Panthers (2-1) have gained 1,024 yards of total offense this season, with only 86 coming through the air.
“That offense needs to be outlawed,” Harlingen coach Manny Gomez said after his team’s Week 2 win against McAllen High. “They don’t play it on Saturday or Sunday.”
Good thing the Panthers play it on Friday, where it’s helped them reach the playoffs nine of the last 10 seasons — including last year’s 3-0 win over the Cardinals in the bi-district round. Though Weslaco’s offense is minimal in approach, the aim is always for something bigger.
“We play the style of offense we do because that’s the kind of football you have to play to win during the playoffs when it’s nasty and cold outside,” Villarreal said. “Teams that want to throw all day usually struggle once the weather isn’t friendly.”
In three games, 12 Panthers have carried the ball. The bulk of their rushing load is shared by Brian Guerra (319 yards, 2 TDs), Usiel Gonzalez (282 yards, 2 TDs) and Jonathon Martinez (143 yards, 4 TDs).
Where Weslaco is obsessed with ground-and-pound, the Cardinals (1-1) are one of the most balanced offenses in the Valley. Of their 824 total yards, 451 have come on the ground while the other 373 has been achieved through the air. Quarterback Jesse Castro has been efficient, completing half of his 40 passing attempts for 303 yards and three touchdowns. RB Leo Tienda leads the team with 274 rushing yards.
“We can’t give up the big play,” Weslaco safety Diego Rodriguez said. “We’ve got to be mindful of some of the screens they like to throw and make the right reads, or else we’re going to give up points.”
Villarreal describes Harlingen as athletic, and compares them to McAllen Memorial in terms of speed. He also credited the Cardinals’ offensive and defensive lines, saying they were among the best in the Valley. Gomez could not be reached for comment.
The Weslaco-Harlingen rivalry dates back to 1922, when the Cardinals blanked the Panthers 22-0. Harlingen leads the all-time series 51-25-4. But Villarreal and the Panthers are looking past history, instead keeping an eye on the future.
“I want to play a tough non-district schedule because it gets us ready district,” Villarreal said. “Sure, I want to win the game, but it’s just practice. That’s all it is. If we win, the kids aren’t going to hoist me onto their shoulders and carry me off into the sunset.”