MARK MOLINA | Staff Writer
HARLINGEN — Harlingen South senior receiver Alec Garza had an impact on the field in the Hawks’ 42-8 win over Brownsville Rivera last week.
He caught seven passes for 143 yards and a 33-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Brandon Villarreal.
His numbers aside, Garza has also come into his own as a leader during the last couple of weeks.
“I have tried to be a leader since there were few people who returned to the team this year,” Garza said. “As a result, I have tried to step in that role. I have stepped into it late, but just in time. I was vocal on both sides of the ball, but not enough to get the team going.
“I had to try and stick out to the team and I’ve noticed a difference in the way the team has worked.”
Garza has been in the Hawks’ program every year that head coach Lanny Wilson has been with the team.
In that time, he has made a lasting impression on Wilson, who also sees Garza as more than a big-play threat.
“Alec is a great athlete, who can play a lot of sports,” Wilson said. “He’s strong, he’s fast and he’s got good size. We’ve seen him mature and not only become a better football player, but become a leader and person of great character.
“He’s vocal, he knows what’s going on and he helps out everyone around him. He’s a team player because the team always comes first with him.”
Being someone to look up to has helped Garza become a more confident player and person.
At the same time, Garza knows that he should take the role and be a humble example.
“It brings confidence and being energetic, so I have to play that role as well,” Garza said. “I play with some more swagger in my play and my step, but nothing too much. It’s just to show my teammates that we’re going into games to win.”
With only three games to go in Garza’s last regular season, he obviously wants his swan song to be in the postseason. However, he also wants him and his senior classmates to be remembered for being solid leaders and role models.
“We just want to help be a stepping stone to the others left behind,” Garza said. “We are really trying to set a high standard with the young guys. There are a lot of them on the varsity, so we talk with them all the time and work with them.
“Hopefully we can get in the playoffs this year and they can do it again next year.”