BIG DOGS: ’Hounds hand Cards second straight loss

The San Benito Greyhounds are shown celebrating with the Battle of the Arroyo trophy after defeating the Harlingen Cardinals, 7-3, on Friday at Bobby Morrow Stadium. (Photo by T.J. Tijerina)

By PETE BANDA
Special to the NEWS

Greyhound running back Arturo Coronado is shown spinning into the endzone in second half action for the game’s only touchdown, thus securing the victory over the Cards on Friday. (Photo by Rigo Davila)

What some expected to be a shootout between two high potent and explosive offenses ended up being a defensive war for the ages as the San Benito defeated the Harlingen Cardinals, 7-3, to take back the Battle of the Arroyo trophy.

While many were picking Harlingen to bounce back from a disappointing and humiliating 36-0 loss last week to San Antonio Johnson, it was the Greyhounds, led by their defense and captains, Rene Chavez and Nate Mireles that made the statement.

The game started slowly with just a few short runs and dump off passes highlighting the first quarter. Though nobody scored, the Cardinals were able to control the ball for most of the quarter. The Greyhound D, which again put forth a stellar performance against a talented Cardinal offense that many considered the best in the Valley, started to put their footprint on the game in the second quarter when Adrian Zuniga recorded a sack for the second straight game, seemingly lighting a fire under the Greyhound defense.

“Our defense played phenomenal for us tonight,” said Head Coach Spencer Gantt. “That’s why they say defense wins championships, and they won us our Battle of the Arroyo championship tonight.”

Harlingen Cardinal Armando Mendoza is pictured being consoled by teammate Rene Cruz. (Photo by Vince Galvan)

With under a minute to go, it looked as if both teams would head into the locker room scoreless, until San Benito had an untimely fumble with two seconds in the half. Harlingen, however, missed the field goal to leave the score at a 0-0 standstill.

The Greyhounds opened up the second half a little too fired up as a high snap got away from quarterback Jesse Jimenez at the ’Hounds 30-yard-line. The Cardinals picked it up for what looked like a sure defensive touchdown until Jimenez managed to hustle back and make the tackle five-yards from the end zone. Chavez and crew kept the Cardinals to a field goal thanks to outstanding defensive play.

With just five minutes left in the game, Mireles made perhaps the play of the game when he intercepted what would have been a long completion, and returned it all the way down to the Cardinal 15-yard-line. After the pick, Arturo Coronado, who was back in the lineup after reportedly suffering a heat-related illness last week, was able to punch it in from eight yards out to put the ’Hounds up 7-3.

An emotional Jesse Jimenez, quarterback for the Greyhounds, is shown embracing offensive lineman Jason Farias. (Photo by T.J. Tijerina)

With about two minutes remaining, and the ’Cards looking to put together one last drive, it was again Mireles playing the part of the hero as he iced the game with his second pick of the contest. Defensive juggernaut Chavez was proud of how his defense performed again. “I knew we could do it, I just continued to tell my team to believe, and they kept believing. This win feels so good,” said Chavez.

To read this story in print, pick up a copy of the September 9 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.

Junior free safety Nathan Mireles of the San Benito Greyhounds was Friday night’s big hero as he recorded two interceptions during pivotal moments of the game against the Harlingen Cardinals. (Photo by Rigo Davila)