HARLINGEN — The Harlingen Cardinals’ defense has seen many talented players come through the program. This season Eladio Flores is one key member of Big Red’s Big D.
The two-year varsity member has made his presence know along the defensive line and he is set to lead Harlingen into a battle against a tough Los Fresnos team this weekend. The Valley Morning Star had a chance to catch up with Flores.
—
Q: How has your senior year been so far and has is hit you yet that this is your last year?
A: My senior year has been a great experience. There’s been a lot of challenges that have been put in front of me and my team, but we have learned to overcome. Since it’s my senior year, I want to have no regrets and have a great final season.
Q: What is it like to be a part of the Harlingen Cardinals football program?
A: It feels great. Being in such an amazing program has helped me not only in football but also to be a better person in life. I’m blessed to be part of the best football program in South Texas.
Q: What is the best part of being a defensive lineman?
A: Making sure the guy in front of you gets nervous. As a D-lineman you’re either going to be double teamed or single blocked. Being able to get by them and making a play on the QB or RB shows the O-linemen that they got to be on point whenever they face you. It feels great to be able to make the offense struggle in your presence.
Q: You, Sam Alonso and Garrison Medley make a strong trio. Talk about that chemistry?
A : Well, it’s just being able to trust the guys playing with you and I feel that I can really trust these guys with everything. We all grew up together from middle school to high school and football has gotten us closer as friends. The communication we have is on point and I feel that’s hard to come by.
Q: Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
A: The day before game day we usually have carb night where all the football players come and eat, and hang out with each other before game day arrives. I really love when at carb night the QB club serves us chicken alfredo. It has to be one of my favorite meals. But when it comes to game day, I’m mainly focusing on the game throughout the day and I usually just eat whatever the school gives on that day.
Q: Who is your favorite defensive player in the NFL and why?
A: In the NFL my favorite defensive player that I look up to would be defensive end Cameron Wake of the Miami Dolphins. I love his relentlessness on the field and his explosiveness. I feel like I have the same want-to that he has.
Q: What are your goals after high school?
A: My goals for after high school would be able to play football at the college level. In case that doesn’t happen, I would want to become an auto technician and most likely go to a technical school for that.
Q: If you could have dinner with anyone in history who would it be and why? A: It would probably be with Bruce Lee. It would have been interesting to meet him and for him to be able to share his stories and his wisdom.
Q: If you could send a message to the younger kids playing for Harlingen, what would it be?
A: I would say don’t be afraid of chasing your dreams. If you work hard for your dreams they will most likely come true. I went from second string freshman year to starting on varsity my senior year and one of the captains on the team. But it’s not going to come easy. You just need to put in the time and the effort. Nothing’s easy in life.
