HARLINGEN — The Harlingen High Cardinals have been the epitome of consistency since head coach Manny Gomez took over the team in 2007. During his 15 years at the helm, the Cardinals have captured at least a share of the district title 10 times, while making the postseason all but one year.
The Cardinals long run of success has led to high expectations year after year at Harlingen High. The 2022 campaign is no different, with the Cardinals opening the season at No. 3 in the RGVSports.com preseason 5A-6A poll.
“I feel like we’re immune to pressure here,” Harlingen High receiver Aiden Sandoval said. “We’ve been dealing with pressure since forever. Coming to Harlingen High School, pressure comes with it. Yes, there is a lot of pressure to live up to it. But I feel like we’re doing a pretty good job at getting there.”
The Cardinals open the year as early favorites to win District 32-6A, picked by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine to finish first.
Harlingen High returns a plethora of playmakers on the offensive side of the ball, including a pair of first-team all-district selections in running back Izaiah Bell and wide receiver Aiden Sandoval.
It’ll be complemented by senior running back Kian Torres and senior wideout Paul Price, both of whom showed glimpses of their potential last year.
Still, it’s the Cardinals’ offensive line that could be their strength, returning almost all starters, including 6-foot-2, 295 pounds tackle Roy Reyna.
“There is a chemistry and a bond on offense,” Reyna added. “We expect to be dominant on Friday nights.”
The Cardinals return just four starters on defense, losing several key players such as current Southwestern University defensive end Nathan Huerta. Those returning are among the best in the Valley, however, highlighted by terrorizing defensive end Pedro Silguero.
The dominant pass rusher accumulated 68 tackles and 10 sacks a season ago. He’ll be joined by Remzi Memik in doing the dirty work in the trenches.
Defensive back Albert Vasquez anchors the Cardinals’ secondary, breaking onto the scene last year with eight interceptions en route to earning the District 32-6A Newcomer of the Year award.
“There really isn’t just one player to watch on defense,” Harlingen High running back Kian Torres said. “The whole defense in general has been grinding and going through the process. It’s been amazing seeing them transform into the defense they are today. It’ll show on Friday nights.”
The 2022 season begins for Harlingen with the 30th Bird Bowl, taking on Harlingen South at 7 p.m. Friday in the RGVSports.com Game of the Week. They’ll continue their non-district slate with games against Mercedes, Mission Veterans, Laredo United South and Laredo United before a district-wide bye week Sept. 29.
They’ll kick off District 32-6A competition with contests against Weslaco High (Oct. 7) and Brownsville Hanna (Oct. 14) before facing off against longtime rival San Benito at home in what could be the de facto district championship game on Oct. 21.
“We don’t really pay much attention to the rankings,” Harlingen High running back Izaiah Bell said. “We always know when we’re on the field we’re the best team. We feel there is no other team that we go against that can stop us except ourselves. We have everything we need. We have the coaches. We have the players to do what we want this season.”
