Catholic religion and football were the only two certainties that existed during my youth. My family could be found every Sunday at Mass and every Friday night during football season watching the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets playing.
This year the Yellowjackets failed to qualify for the playoffs. Like most Valleyites, my family and I still crave football regardless if it is our hometown or a nearby city. In 2009, the team to watch was the Harlingen Cardinals. They finished the regular season undefeated, beating their opponents by an average of 40 points a game.
The Cardinals advanced to the third round of the playoffs after defeating the San Benito Greyhounds and a very talented San Antonio Southwest team. Although time was a factor this year, I managed to make time to travel to San Antonio's Alamodome with my father and two nephews to root on the Harlingen Cardinals. If time permitted we would have chosen to watch PSJA North and Edinburg North play as well. Unfortunately, it was Thanksgiving week and we had to pick only one team.
Like every kid growing up in the Valley, my nephews aspire to be playing in front of a massive crowd one day representing not only their hometown, but the entire Valley. On this day, they were spectators and they supported the Cardinals as if they were students at Harlingen High.
The debate prior to the game was if the undefeated Cardinals could compete with the powerhouse Austin Westlake Chaparrals. As we entered the dome we were amazed by the sea of red that engulfed Harlingen's side. The fans cheered at every movement by both teams. First downs were celebrated like touchdowns. Defensive stops were greeted with standing ovations. The Harlingen crowd played the role of the 12th man. Unfortunately, on the field there was a different scene unfolding. The Chaparrals were bigger, faster, and not prone to turning the ball over.
It became apparent early on that Harlingen's season would end that night. The Cardinals suffered a 13-42 loss. It was another playoff disappointment since the Valley has been longing for a football State Champion in over forty years. Despite the lopsided loss, the fans remained strong until the end. Their unconditional support for their team proved true to the old saying in Harlingen - "Harlingen spirit never dies!"
The same is true for Valley football.
Valley Football - Its a Religion!
Monday, 30 November 2009 20:01 | 
| Youth Sports/Exercise - Football |
Valley Football - Its a Religion!
Harlingen vs. Austin Westlake
November 27, 2009
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Harlingen vs. Austin Westlake
November 27, 2009
Alamodome, San Antonio, TX
Catholic religion and football were the only two certainties that existed during my youth. My family could be found every Sunday at Mass and every Friday night during football season watching the Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets playing. This year the Yellowjackets failed to qualify for the playoffs. Like most Valleyites, my family and I still crave football regardless if it is our hometown or a nearby city. In 2009, the team to watch was the Harlingen Cardinals. They finished the regular season undefeated, beating their opponents by an average of 40 points a game.
The Cardinals advanced to the third round of the playoffs after defeating the San Benito Greyhounds and a very talented San Antonio Southwest team. Although time was a factor this year, I managed to make time to travel to San Antonio's Alamodome with my father and two nephews to root on the Harlingen Cardinals. If time permitted we would have chosen to watch PSJA North and Edinburg North play as well. Unfortunately, it was Thanksgiving week and we had to pick only one team.
Like every kid growing up in the Valley, my nephews aspire to be playing in front of a massive crowd one day representing not only their hometown, but the entire Valley. On this day, they were spectators and they supported the Cardinals as if they were students at Harlingen High.
The debate prior to the game was if the undefeated Cardinals could compete with the powerhouse Austin Westlake Chaparrals. As we entered the dome we were amazed by the sea of red that engulfed Harlingen's side. The fans cheered at every movement by both teams. First downs were celebrated like touchdowns. Defensive stops were greeted with standing ovations. The Harlingen crowd played the role of the 12th man. Unfortunately, on the field there was a different scene unfolding. The Chaparrals were bigger, faster, and not prone to turning the ball over.
It became apparent early on that Harlingen's season would end that night. The Cardinals suffered a 13-42 loss. It was another playoff disappointment since the Valley has been longing for a football State Champion in over forty years. Despite the lopsided loss, the fans remained strong until the end. Their unconditional support for their team proved true to the old saying in Harlingen - "Harlingen spirit never dies!"
The same is true for Valley football.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 01 December 2009 06:42)
