Cardinals RB Pablo Garza: Part-time athlete, full-time father

HARLINGEN — Pablo Garza isn't like your average high school senior.

Sure he plays football and is the starting running back for the Harlingen Cardinals.

He's a two-year starter at the position and three-year varsity letterman.

Garza even led Harlingen to a 42-14 win against PSJA North last week in Pharr. Garza rushed for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries and caught four passes for 40 yards.

But there's more to Garza's life than just football. Garza is the father of a two-month old named Zayden Lovell Garza, who was born on Aug. 25 just before the season started.

"It's a lot of responsibility," Garza said of being a father. "It really makes you think a lot more about everything. It's hard at times. I've had to miss practice sometimes, but the team knows that I'll do what it takes to make up for it."

Kinda like last week.

Garza didn't miss practice. But he did work hard and did what it took to beat the Raiders.

The result was a solid win for Big Red as Harlingen clinched a share of the District 31-5A title and is one win away from a perfect regular season.

Garza scored on runs of 7, 30 and 5 yards in the win and also made some big catches along the way against a solid PSJA North defense in a premiere game.

"I really pushed myself at practice," Garza said. "Everyone played hard. It was for a district championship and that's what it all came down to. The coaches really pushed us and preached Cardinal Spirit Never Dies all week."

For the season, Garza's rushed for 836 yards and 14 TDs on 120 carries.

The numbers aren't eye-popping but Garza's been a solid ball carrier for Harlingen for two years now.

Garza is one weapon on an offense that features many.

Led by quarterback Mack Sanchez, the Cardinals are averaging 406.3 yards per game.

Sanchez leads the district with 1,702 yards passing and 19 TDs. He's also rushed for 15 scores on the season.

Receiver Anthony Reyna leads the district in receiving with 39 catches for 742 yards and eight TDs.

So while there isn't ONE go-to guy on the Cards offense, Garza is one of several.

But Garza does have the ability to take over like he did against the Raiders last week.

"We have so many options on offense," Garza said. "If you stop the run we can pass the ball too. We just need to get in a rhythm offensively especially with the playoffs starting. The ground game is there but it's not only about me. It's about the team."

Garza said being a dad has made him realize the importance of many things like teamwork and being there for his teammates.

Garza said being there for his No. 1 fan, Zayden, is his first priority.

"It's different," Garza said. "He doesn't go to my games, but I get to see him when I get home after my games. I see that big smile and that means everything.

"I never had my dad around and I don't want that for him. I want to give him the life I always wanted."

Eladio Jaimez covers District 31-5A for Valley Freedom Newspapers.