Favila: Scott Ford to Harlingen South? Could be

A well-known and well-respected football coach could soon return to the Valley if rumors prove to be correct and all goes well.

It’s been heard through the grapevine that former Los Fresnos head coach Scott Ford is interested in applying for the Harlingen South job if and when the position becomes available. Currently the head coach at Nacogdoches High School, Ford signed a 2-year contract in February 2010 worth $85,000 per year.

Of course the job at Harlingen South is still officially not vacant as Gilbert Leal remains on administrative leave after being arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge last month. However, regardless of what happens with Leal’s alleged crime, it’s highly unlikely he will be allowed to resume his coaching duties, so it should be only a matter of time before the job is opened to applications.

Some early candidates rumored to be in line to replace Leal include current PSJA Memorial coach Gus Cavazos, current Harlingen High offensive coordinator Robert Fraga and Jim Morton, South’s defensive coordinator who filled in as the Hawks’ head coach after Leal was put on leave.

No disrespect to any of the aforementioned, but if it turns out that Ford is indeed interested in the South job, the Harlingen School Board needs to get the ball rolling and do whatever it can to land him.

Ford, who turned the Los Fresnos football program into a Valley powerhouse during his seven seasons with the Falcons, is a proven winner. Under his guidance, the Falcons went 65-19 and from 2006-08 they went 34-5 —including a perfect 10-0 regular season in 2008 — and won three straight district titles.

Much like Manny Gomez at Harlingen, Ford is a no-nonsense, passionate coach who thinks big and aims high. And just like Gomez, Ford has the ability to immediately turn the Hawks around by instilling a much-needed dose of confidence and arrogance into the athletes.

Let’s face facts, Harlingen High and Harlingen South athletes are cut from the same cloth, yet, for some reason, Cardinal football players are perceived to be superior. Why? The difference is not talent; it’s all attitude. Cardinal football players expect to win and expect to win big because that’s what Coach Gomez constantly preaches. Ford brought this same attitude to the Falcons and the results speak for themselves.

Hopefully, the Harlingen School Board won’t drag its feet and wait too long to post a job opening at South. With the UIL banning two-a-days come next fall, spring ball will be more important than ever so a new coach needs to be in place sooner than later.

Can’t you just picture it? Bird Bowl XX: Manny Gomez standing on one sideline at Boggus Stadium and Scott Ford on the other. Two elite coaches, two solid teams, one proud city.

Dave Favila can be reached at davidf@valleystar.com or at 956-430-6214. Follow him on Twitter at dfavila