(Harlingen, Texas)-At Boggus Stadium on Friday night, the Harlingen Cardinals (2-0) stepped it up in the second quarter as they defeated the Mercedes Tigers (0-2) 39-14 to remain undefeated after two games. The Tigers are still looking for its first win of the season after playing back-to-back Class 6A powerhouse football teams. “We found some positive things on Friday night. We came out healthy this week. We now play McAllen High School next Thursday, and that game will be another challenge as we prepare for District 15-5A Division II.”
The first quarter was a defensive slugfest between both teams as both Mercedes and Harlingen stopped each other on fourth downs. The Cardinals driving from midfield fumbled the snap with the Tigers swarming Cardinals quarterback Randy Morales for a sack and loss on third down and seven yards to go. The Cardinals put up its first seven points with QB Randy Morales breaking loose on a 38-yard run with 1:06 left in the first quarter. The Cardinals, led by DE Jacob Ortiz, stopped the Tigers again on offense and this led to a 37-yard field by kicker, Joshua Lopez to make 10-0 with 6:57 left in the first half. The Tigers would fumbled on its next possession and the Cardinals wasted no time as Morales broke loose again to make it 16-0 with 6:48 left in the half. “We are trying to fix the puzzles,” says Adame. “We are playing tough games and this will make us only better.” The half ended on another turnover by the Tigers and Harlingen QB Morales scored to make it 23-0. In third third quarter, Lopez nailed a beautiful 47-yard field goal to cap off the night. The Cardinals will travel to play Mission Veterans (1-1) next Friday night at Tom Landry Hall f Fame Stadium in Mission.
Photos: Mercedes RB Robert Sanchez is stopped by Harlingen while Mercedes Head Football Coach paces on the sidelines. (HSSMIMages)