HARLINGEN — With the Bird Bowl being the talk of the town this week, Harlingen Cardinals head coach Manny Gomez reminded his players about one thing and that was to “keep the tradition going.”
The Cardinals will square off against crosstown rival Harlingen South in what will be the 25th meeting between the two schools Friday at 7:30 p.m.
“Our bye week went well. We were able to rest up and go over a few things,” said Cards wide receiver Joe Reyna. “This is my first Bird Bowl. Last year I wasn’t able to play in it, but this year I’m ready to help my team in any way they need me.”
Although this might be Reyna’s first Bird Bowl, he is no stranger to the rivalry. Reyna saw his older brother, Felix, play safety for the Cardinals. Felix graduated in 2015.
“My brother has taught me a lot about football,” said Reyna. “He gave me some advice on playing in the Bird Bowl and that’s to expect the unexpected. I’ve always wanted to be a part it and now I will get my shot on Friday.”
Harlingen has won nine straight meetings against the Hawks. The last time the Cardinals fell to the Hawks was in 2007, 21-7.
This year the Cards have faced early adversity with a Week One loss against Mission Veterans. However, they recovered with a victory over Laredo United South and then an emotional win two weeks ago against San Antonio Reagan.
Although the Cards had momentum after their win against Reagan, Coach Gomez used the bye week in his favor and kept the Red Birds upbeat.
“We were picking up some momentum the last few weeks but that’s the thing with the momentum, you want to keep it going,” said Gomez. “But don’t get me wrong, we will take it. It gives the kids a chance to rest and get caught up with school work, and we took full advantage of the bye week.”
One key for the Cardinals has been their play at the linebacker position with seniors Garrison Medley and Eladio Flores. Both have combined for 71 tackles and the duo made big play after big play against Reagan.
“After that first game, we weren’t mentally prepared. It was a reality check for us,” Medley said. “After that, we came together as a team and mentally prepared for each opponent. Here we don’t have just one star, it’s a total team effort. Playing with Eladio is great; it’s a brotherhood. He’s smart, fast and he knows his plays. I have full confidence in him to make plays.”
