Joe Zuniga knew it wasn’t going to be easy to take over the quarterback position for Harlingen High this season.
But that didn’t intimidate him one bit.
Zuniga and Cardinals coach Manny Gomez reclaimed the “you have big shoes to fill” phrase, saying Zuniga wore “work boots” anyway. He took that mentality and went to work every day to become a better player and leader, and it showed in his play through the challenging 2020 season.
Zuniga accumulated 1,486 passing yards and 11 passing touchdowns through seven games, along with 113 yards and five scores rushing. He efficiently orchestrated the Cardinals’ offense, helping the team clinch a co-District 32-6A championship and reach the second round of the playoffs. Zuniga is the Valley Morning Star’s All-STAR football most valuable player.
“I’m very honored. I couldn’t have done it without my team and my coaches. It’s definitely not just an individual award, it’s for the team as well,” Zuniga said. “That’s a hard role to step up and play, and I feel like I did my part and gave the team my all. I felt more confident as a player, and not only a player, but as an individual, a friend, a big brother to my underclassmen so they could look up to me and know what their role is. I felt like it was my team.”
Gomez agreed that Zuniga made the team his own and had fun every step of the way. Zuniga leaned on the Cardinals’ coaching staff, and Gomez said they embraced him and appreciated the way he handled the challenge.
“It was a big feat for him to take over, because Jaime Galvan was something special. But Joe made it special in his own way, too. He did a tremendous job,” Gomez said. “It was his destiny, his will, because he did it his way and he got it done. What we accomplished as a team was led by him, so he was definitely a blessing for us all. It’s a big responsibility, but he had a great coach to help him along the way.”
Zuniga said one of his favorite moments from the season was Harlingen High’s overtime win in the Battle of the Arroyo. But overall, what meant the most was having the opportunity to be a leader and take the field every Friday with his team. Zuniga and a group of teammates put in work after practice to make the most of the season, and it showed with the way the quarterback was able to get a lot of teammates involved offensively.
“My teammates, even after practice was over, we’d still get together and work on some things. We didn’t clock out when practice was over, we put in the time and the work that we needed,” Zuniga said. “It felt good not just using one guy. We were able to spread the ball out more and trust our guys, and give the ball to all the playmakers.”
Zuniga said he was grateful for the support he and his team received throughout the season from the Cardinals community. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Harlingen High fans showed up in droves to watch their team under the lights, and Zuniga appreciated the chance to make them proud.
Gomez said Zuniga’s competitive nature and love of the game was a fun thing for all to watch, and those qualities helped him live up to the standards held for a Cardinals quarterback.
“He grabbed the bull by the horns and made it happen. It was his passion and his will that we saw in him as a freshman and knew that eventually he’d be a great one, and that’s what he became,” Gomez said. “He had tons of fun, enjoyed the game and left a great legacy as a Harlingen quarterback. His humility is a big part of who he is. We’re super proud of him.”
The Valley Morning Star’s 2020 All-STAR Football Team
Most valuable player
Joe Zuniga, Harlingen High
Offensive player of the year
Cayleb Klostermann, Lyford
Defensive player of the year
Aaron Reyes, San Benito
All-purpose player of the year
ZaRaiVion Armendarez, Raymondville
Newcomer of the year
Eric Quilantan, Harlingen High
Coach of the year
Frank Cantu, Raymondville
First team
Offense
Quarterback: Elijah Hernandez, San Benito
Running backs: Nova Bejaran, San Benito; Kian Torres, Harlingen High Nova Bejaran, San Benito
Wide receivers: Jermaine Corbin, San Benito; Justin Galvan, Harlingen High; Matt Sanchez, Lyford
Offensive linemen: Nathaniel Garcia, San Benito; Ricardo Garcia, San Benito; Hayden Mann, Harlingen High; Aden Morris, Harlingen South; Robert Osegueda, Harlingen High
Kicker: Yahir Reyes, San Benito
Defense
Linebackers: Levi Ince, Harlingen South; Tony Rowland, Lyford; Ezvyn Zuniga, Harlingen High
Defensive backs: Michael Banda, San Benito; David Cortez, Harlingen South; Leonel Fuentes, San Benito; Mark Marroquin, Lyford
Defensive linemen: Louis DeVries, Lyford; Nathan Huerta, Harlingen High; Dylan Ramirez, Raymondville; Gabriel Sandoval, San Benito
Punter: Diego Guerra, Lyford
