HARLINGEN — Week 5 has arrived, and that means District 32-6A meets District 2-6A.
Last year Harlingen High, hit the road and went West to take on Midland High. This year, the Cardinals play host to Midland High at 11 a.m. at Boggus Stadium.
Also today, San Benito travels to Midland Lee, Harlingen South is at Odessa High and Hanna is on the road to take on Amarillo Tascosa. Los Fresnos met Odessa Permian late Friday.
The Cardinals lost 51-31 to the Bulldogs last year at Midland High.
“The time and the day may be different, but it is still football,” Harlingen High coach Manny Gomez said. “The kids are anxious to get out there for sure and excited to play. We can also relive a playoff atmosphere by playing during the day on a Saturday, because that is what you start to do when you get to the playoffs.”
The Bulldogs enter Week 5 on a two-game losing streak. Last week, the Bulldogs lost 28-7 to Abilene High. The team’s last win came in Week 2 after a 43-42 win over Pebble Hills.
Midland High enters with a run-first attack offense led by running back Daniel Garcia. Garcia has 81 carries for 554 yards and seven touchdowns. Under center is Nicholas Peralta. Through four games, the senior has 455 passing yards, completing 36 of 66 attempts.
“They all bring a certain type of scheme with their play, but we have prepared for both,” Gomez said. “The main part of their offense is their offensive line play. They have a kid who is 6-foot-8, and everyone else is about 6 foot. So their offensive line is the backbone of their team.”
For the Cards, look for seniors Rayden Berry and Jaime Galvan to give Big Red a spark on offense. Last week against Weslaco East, Berry ran for 168 yards and one touchdown on 29 carries.
“We prepare for everyone the same,” Gomez said. “We will set up our parameters and play the best we can. I truly believe playing Weslaco East prepared us for this kind of game, and that is why you schedule certain teams on your schedule, to prepare you.”
