Cardinals open practice with eyes focused on ultimate prize

HARLINGEN - As the Harlingen Cardinals' first practice concluded Monday, head coach Manny Gomez delivered a spirited speech about winning championships.
Not just district, bi-district or area.
Gomez preached about what it takes to win a state championship.
Gomez talked and talked, demanding the attention of every varsity and junior varsity player in attendance.
The ultimate goal for every team in the Valley, each and every season, is winning a state title.
But for now Gomez wants his first district title as a head coach.
"We haven't been labeled champs for three years now," Gomez said. "And that's what we want. The guys are practicing with a lot of confidence, especially on offense. They were lacking a true leader and coach (Spencer) Gantt brings that to the table."
Quarterback John Murphy beautifully orchestrated the new-look Cards' offense.
Harlingen will run a one-back spread offense and Murphy and the rest of the offense looked pretty crisp for the first practice.
"Their (team) effort was phenomenal," Gomez said. "A lot of the kids are excited and they're hustling out here. The kids were getting after it."
Gomez enters his second season as head coach of his alma mater and liked what he saw on the first day.
Aside form Murphy, receivers Anthony Reyna, Angel Cantu, Luke Lucio and Leo Gonzalez look to lead the offense this season.
On defense, J.B. Gutierrez and Mingo Rincon lead the stop troops.
"I preach to the kids to bring everything they have," Gomez said. "This could be their last opportunity to practice or play football."
Harlingen has three weeks to prepare for the start of the regular season and one of the toughest non-district schedules around.
Harlingen plays McAllen, Edcouch-Elsa and San Benito in non-league games.
Then their quest for the 31-5A title begins with a home game against Edinburg North.
"I'm just looking for some consistency right now," Gomez said.
KEY RETURNERS: John Murphy (quarterback), Domingo Rincon (linebacker), Tyler Clifton (offensive line), Joseph Villarreal (offensive line).
KEY LOSSES: Chad Reininger (safety), Eric Ortiz (cornerback), Jonathan Davis (offensive line)
KEY GAMES: Edcouch-Elsa (Sept. 5), San Benito (Sept 12), PSJA (Oct. 17), and Harlingen South (Nov. 7).