After getting their season off on a positive note, the Harlingen South Hawks will have a new challenge in Week 2.
The Hawks (1-0) will travel to PSJA stadium tonight to square off against the PSJA Bears (1-0) in the Valley Morning Star’s Game of the Week.
“I think we are still a little behind; we didn’t have class Monday and our game is Thursday so it’s a short week,” said Hawks coach Brian Ricci. “But the kids are feeling good coming off of last week’s win and I feel much better having played a game. The kids are excited for the next challenge and we have had a great week of practice.”
The Bears are under first-year head coach Lupe Rodriguez, who has a brilliant offensive mind. It showed in Week One as the Bears used a balanced rushing attack that gained 159 yards and a passing game that garnered 301 yards in an easy win over Donna North.
Meanwhile, Harlingen South’s defense managed to limit McAllen High’s Gunnar Henderson to six catches for 72 yards and two scores. The Hawks’ front four is built around Sky Tatum and Brandon Bennett, who helped push the pocket and forced McHi quarterback J.R Cortez to make quick decisions.
The Hawks will now have to contend with PSJA QB Trey Guajardo, who is as athletic as they come. The junior is a three-sport athlete and is a dual threat.
“They’re an explosive offense and their QB is phenomenal,” said Ricci of PSJA. “They have a great offensive scheme and they will try and create mismatches so we have to try and slow them down, although it will be a tough task. Our defense is pretty good and I think our defensive line will have to get a good push. He (Guajardo) is dangerous when he’s outside of the pocket.”
South running back Jorge Alicea will look for another strong performance on the ground while the Hawks’ offense needs to protect the football after turning it over twice in Week One.
“I hope we can go in and have a smooth game offensively,” said Ricci. The only negative last week was the turnovers, so if we can clean that up we will be OK. They’re focused and ready to get out there.”
