(Harlingen, Texas)-The Harlingen Cardinals (12-1, 5-0) were unstoppable in 2022 as they went 10-0 in non-conference and district play. The Cards outscored their opponents 517-212 with shutout wins over Mission Veterans (56-0), Brownsville Hanna (41-0), and PSJA (49-0). In the playoffs, head coach Manny Gomez led his team to the third round before losing to Dripping Springs (12-2) in a 49-0 shutout loss. That was last season.
The Cardinals could be much better in 2023. “If you want to see some explosiveness, come see us,” says Manny Gomez, Harlingen High School head football coach.
The Harlingen Cardinals will open its 2023 season against crosstown rivals, Harlingen South in their annual Bird Bowl on Friday, August 25th at Boggus Stadium. The annual pigskin is a favorite in this football-hungry mecca with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m.
The Cardinals will return three offensive starters on offense and four on defense. Starting quarterback, Randy Morales returns along with OL Anthony Johnson, WR Adam Sanchez, and sophomore RB, Noah Huerta. Defensively, LB Sterling Tomlin, LB Jacob Ortiz, and DB Andres Duer will be the leaders to watch on Friday nights. “There’s plenty of tradition here at Harlingen High School. We are aiming to do great things in Cardinal land. Every player on this team will be the ones to watch,” added Gomez.
The Cardinals will be the favored team to compete for the the district title, and why not? The Cardinals are the defending champions.
In district play, the Cardinals will open against the Weslaco Panthers at Bobby Lackey Stadium on October 6th at 7:00 p.m. The Cardinals already has a game plan too. Pictured is Harlingen HS head coach Manny Gomez with l-r Adrian Lizacano, Andres Deur, Julisses Garza, and Sterling Tomlin. (HSSMImages/Ruiz)