District 32-6A will have its bye week in Week 6.
The six-team district now prepares for the district openers Oct. 12.
Here are some things learned during the past five weeks and what fans can look forward to.
CAN THEY REPEAT?
The San Benito Greyhounds had arguably the toughest non-district schedule of any team in their district. San Benito opened its season on the road at Calallen and at Victoria West, and played host to Midland Lee. In between, San Benito welcomed in PSJA High and Laredo United.
San Benito went 2-3 during that stretch but came out healthy and will play host to Harlingen High on Oct. 12 in the latest installment of the Battle of the Arroyo.
The question going forward is, can the ‘Hounds repeat as district champs?
Brownsville Hanna, led by junior QB Victor Campos, has emerged as the team to beat.
However, San Benito has the pieces in play to repeat. One standout for the ‘Hounds has been sophomore running back Kyler Castilleja. The youngster has run for 248 yards and four scores on 35 carries through the first five weeks. Castilleja had a breakout performance against PSJA High, when he ran for a season-high 119 yards and two scores.
On defense, senior linebacker AJ Garcia continues to have a nose for the football and is aided by Albert Mercado. If the ‘Hounds can remain healthy and continue to run the ball, San Benito fans can remain optimistic about their chances of repeating.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Jaime Galvan has been a fine storyline for Harlingen High through the first five weeks. The junior southpaw has thrown for 763 yards and eight touchdowns, with four interceptions.
Galvan is most dangerous on the ground. Galvan has run for 167 yards and three scores on 42 carries.
He also has hit his trusty target, senior wideout Joe Reyna. The speedster leads the team in catches with 13 and yards with 282. Reyna also has hauled in two TDs.
The Cardinals missed the postseason last year, a first under coach Manny Gomez. Big Red has enough firepower on each side of the ball to reach the playoffs.
The first two weeks of district play will be tough with road games at San Benito and Brownsville Hanna. The Cards won’t return home until Oct. 26 against Los Fresnos.
ENDING A DROUGHT?
Harlingen South showed signs of promise throughout the non-district slate, picking up wins against McAllen High and PSJA North. In those games, the running game played a factor thanks to Emilio Quiroz and Corban Hendrick. Hendrick has run for 297 yards, and Quiroz has rushed for a team-high 358 yards. Junior QB David Torres is off to a good start and has a good chemistry with wide outs Brady Bennett and Derrick Delgado.
On the defensive side of the ball, sophomore linebacker David Cortez has impressed. Through five games, Cortez is second on the team in tackles with 46. And, the secondary has proven to be one of the top units. Kaleb Solis, Kike Alvarado and Isaac Moreno make up the Hawks secondary.
FALCONS FALTER
After getting on track for a couple of weeks, the Falcons’ offense has struggled in a pair of big games, losses to Edinburg Vela and Odessa Permian in Weeks 4 and 5. The Falcons have managed 13 points and one offensive score in the games.
Against a powerful Odessa Permian squad, Los Fresnos managed 17 yards and three interceptions through the air, and recorded 63 total yards
