Harlingen South starts new era against Mission Veterans

 HARLINGEN - Their out-of-the-shadows journey begins tonight.

Comparisons to the 2007 Harlingen South Hawks are imminent.

The same South Hawks that went 10-0 and won a District 31-5A championship last season.

The same Hawks that sat atop Valley's polls as the top-ranked team for most of last season.

Those same Hawks.

The only thing is, these aren't those Hawks.

With the exception of running backs Phillip Fruge and Steve Mata, it's pretty much all new faces wearing the green and orange.

For second-year head coach Alan Cherry, the future still looks bright and remains optimistic about the 2008 season.

South kicks off their latest campaign with a home game against Mission Veterans Memorial at Boggus at 7:30 p.m.

"We looked good in the scrimmage (Donna) last week and I hope we can go out there and get better," Cherry said. "We just have to keep working hard and stay positive. We're facing a good team and we know they'll do a good job on the field."

The Patriots are indeed good.

Mission returns seven starters on defense including tackles Jacob Rodriguez and George Gomez.

But it's the Patriots offense which has some pretty high expectations coming into the season.

Expectations just as high if not higher than most veteran ballclubs this season.

Rick Alvarado returns at quarterback for head coach Carlos Longoria's group.

And Alvarado isn't alone on offense.

Running back Gilbert Hernandez figures to be one of the top runners and Jonathan Gilpin one of the top receivers in the Valley this season.

"The older guys have been through the wars and they can walk the younger guys through it," Longoria said. "That's football. No matter what level you're playing, you just have to buckle your chin strap and get ready to get hit."

And the difference in this game could come down to experience.

The Patriots have plenty of it.

South doesn't.

Frank Mancillas will make his first start at quarterback for the Hawks.

The senior's played in a couple of preseason exhibitions. But Cherry feels confident in Mancillas.

"He's done a good job of throwing and running with the ball," Cherry said. "Of course Phillip and Steve will be a big part of our offense this year. They'll be the nucleus of our offense."

Eladio Jaimez covers District 31-5A for Valley Freedoms Newspapers. He can be reached at eladioj@valleystar.com