KEVIN NARRO | Staff Writer
SAN BENITO — Senior quarterback Jacob Cavazos has played in the Battle of the Arroyo before. The only difference is tonight Cavazos will line up under center for the Greyhounds when they host the Cards in the 88th Battle of the Arroyo.
“It means so much to be able to lead the team,” Cavazos said. “I know my offensive line, running backs and wide outs will get it done I have confidence in them. I see it differently now that I’m the QB. We have all worked hard and are prepared.”
Cavazos grew up knowing all about the Battle and his father Henry Cavazos played quarterback for the Hounds from 1989-91.
“We talk about it all the time,” said Jacob. “It is a good bond he and I have; I can be a small image of him on the field. I was about five or six when I went to my first Battle; I just remember seeing Harlingen’s grassy field.”
While Henry never beat the Cards in his time wearing a Hounds uniform, he still looks back at the memories it provided.
Growing up, Henry always had his biggest fan watching him play. His biggest fan was his grandmother; she never missed a game and would support Henry at every game.
“As a player seeing her cheering us on from the stands meant a lot,” Henry said. “She was at every game and her favorite game was when we played Harlingen. She was 90 years old and would be there at the games with her face painted purple and gold. She would do whatever she could to support the Hounds.”
“Back then when I played, Harlingen had such tough teams, they had great players and great coaches, and they didn’t just dominate us, they dominated the Valley.”
“I played against Manny Gomez, Leo Araguz and Johnnie Jackson, they had some great teams, but they brought the best out of San Benito.”
During Henry’s playing days, he wore the number seven, the same number Jacob wears.
“I have always worn the number seven and I still use that number till today,” Henry said. “Jacob got that number on his own and it makes me proud to see him wear the same number I wore when I played. I never asked him to wear it, he knew it was my number when I played.”