Harlingen's Prado named All-Valley's top defender

HARLINGEN — If there’s one thing Nathan Prado values more than football, it’s his faith.

Growing up, Prado said his family always took him to church.

"At first, I didn’t understand," Prado said. "I didn’t realize that every time I went, I was being taught. As I got older, it started adding up. My relationship with God became stronger. I always have time for God now. He’s the one that gives me strength to get through every day."

Prado is very vocal about his faith. Before and after games, the Harlingen linebacker visibly prays on the field, falling on one knee.

At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, Prado isn’t one of the biggest linebackers in the Valley. But with a 4.5 40 speed, he’s definitely one of the fastest. And he hits like a train.

Only a junior, Prado was one of four team captains this season. Prado credited God and his faith for the opportunity to play.

And Prado made the most of it earning the 2001 All-Valley Defensive Player of the Year award.

"It means a lot to me," Prado said of the recognition. "I worked hard during the offseason for the team and it feels good to see it paying off.

"We spent a lot of time watching film and studying other teams’ offensive plays. But it was all worth it for this season."

Prado is what head coach Manny Gomez described as a "pure football player."

Prado made his name as a linebacker for the Cards but also played a little in the defensive backfield and blocked several punts this season too,

Prado finished the season with three blocked punts and 124 total tackles. But the speedster also returned two fumbles for scores against Harlingen South and Economedes.

In an area game against Del Rio, Prado made one of the biggest defensive plays in the game for Harlingen that helped switch momentum in the Cardinals’ favor.

Harlingen trailed 28-21 at halftime and looked sluggish on offense. Del Rio came out well prepared and it showed as the Rams offense was effective in the first half.

But midway through the third, DR went for it on a fourth-and-long and the Rams’ quarterback sacked and fumbled the ball.

Prado was there to scoop up the loose ball and return it 50 yards to set up the Harlingen offense on the Del Rio 10-yard line. Harlingen tied the game and went on to win a 37-34 thriller.

It was that presence and play-making ability that made Prado the selection for best defensive player this season.

In a state quarterfinal against San Antonio Madison, Prado led the Cards with 10 tackles in the game.

"Our coaches here put in a lot of work to prepare us every game," Prado said. "I don’t believe no other coaches in the Valley and even state work as hard as our coaches. I’m very grateful to have them as my coaches."

Prado’s selection is the third time a Cardinal gets named Defensive player of the Year in the last four years. Mingo Rincon was tabbed top defender in 2009 and 2010. Edinburg’s Ciro Reyna got the nod last year.

"Defense is part of the tradition here at Harlingen," Prado said. "We just have to keep that tradition going now."

NATHAN PRADO, HARLINGEN

POSITION: Linebacker
HEIGHT: 5-10
WEIGHT: 170
BIO: Prado was a Class 5A all-state honorable mention selection this season…He was named to the 2010 All-Valley first team…Prado recorded 124 tackles (57 solo), 12  sacks, 22 tackles for a loss, 21 quarterback pressures, six knockdowns, four fumble recoveries, three blocked punts, two defensive touchdowns, one interception and one caused fumble.
One thing fans don’t know about Prado: “I love to play video game but I'm not good at them and I like to go fishing and camping.”