(Harlingen, Texas)- “We played a lot of sophomores and now, they will be back in 2023,” Harlingen South Hawks head football coach, Israel Gonzalez after their 5A Division I Bi-District loss to McAllen.
Harlingen South (7-4) goals in 2023 will be getting past the first round of the state playoffs. For the past two seasons, the Hawks endured first round losses to PSJA North and McAllen.
After losing 35 players to graduation in 2022, the Hawks still managed to win another district title in District 16-5A Division I after moving down from Class 6A. With six starters back on offense and seven on defense, the Hawks will be looking to improve at every position. The Hawks allowed 173 total points scored on its defense while averaging 30 points a game.
Players to watch are returning junior quarterback, Dylan Anaya (346 passing yards 501 yards rushing), junior RB David Sanchez (569 yards), Alvin Edwards (269 yards rushing). WR Jacob Cano returns to give the Hawks plenty of balance. Defensively, senior DE 6’1 Reno Villanueva (2 QB sacks 77 tackles 39 solos) and DB Mikey Gonzalez (6’0 175lbs 44 tackles 25 solos) will be the players to watch on Friday nights. Defense will be key.
The Hawks will be vying for its third staright district title under Gonzalez and expect the South Hawks to make another playoff run, with hopes of getting past the first round of the UIL playoffs.
The Harlingen South Hawks will open against Harlingen in their classic “Bird Bowl” on August 25th at 7:00 p.m. Kickoff will be at Boggus Stadium. HSSM picks the Hawks to finish No.1 overall in District 16-5A Division I. (HSSMIMages/Ruiz)