Harlingen Cardinals
Head Coach: Manny Gomez (20th season; 160-62 record)
Last Season: 5-7; 3-1 in district (Lost to Medina Valley in area round)
Returning Lettermen: 32 (8 returning starters on offense; 6 on defense)
Harlingen Key Players and Storylines
Harlingen has had back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 1998 and 1999, but that record doesn’t tell the full story. The Cardinals challenged themselves with a tough non-district schedule last fall before finishing second in district and winning a playoff game.
This year, the Cardinals are determined to bring home their first district title in four seasons with 14 returning starters. Quarterback Hassan Woolery (1,348 passing yards, 813 rushing yards and 18 total TDs) will lead the way after shining as a sophomore starter last season. He’s got plenty of options when he drops back to pass with 6’1” receiver/tight end Dayton Mireles (346 receiving yards) and slippery receiver Aidan Cervantes (404 receiving yards). Both will likely play some defense as well this season.
Great 2nd Scrimmage against a good Sharyland team. Looking forward to Week 1 next week! Back to work with my teammates. @QBCoachGomez @CoachBLedesma @HCISD_Athletics pic.twitter.com/N86lPvcL7J
— Hassan Woolery (@HassanWool1) August 21, 2026
The Cardinals are looking to solidify the trenches on both sides of the ball, but there’s much more certainty at the second and third levels of their defense. Captain Davian Renteria (103 tackles, 20 TFLs) and Estevan Esquivel (83 tackles, 10 TFLs) are two returning playmakers at linebacker. Behind them, safety Jay Garza (66 tackles, six TFLs) has great football IQ combined with the physicality needed to help in run support.
Last year, an overtime loss to Los Fresnos is all that kept the Cardinals from a district title. They believe their experience will be the difference this year as they chase both the top spot in District 32-6A and a deep playoff run.
Harlingen Cardinals 2026 Football Schedule
*Denotes District 32-6A Contest
August 28 (Friday) — vs. McAllen Rowe — 7:30 PM
September 4 (Friday) — @ Harlingen South — 7:00 PM
September 11 (Friday) — vs. Eagle Pass at Jourdanton — 7:00 PM
September 18 (Friday) — vs. Corpus Christi Miller — 7:00 PM
September 24 (Thursday) — vs. Midland at Boerne — 6:00 PM
October 2 — BYE
*October 9 (Friday) — vs. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo — 7:30 PM
*October 16 (Friday) — @ PSJA North — 7:30 PM
*October 23 (Friday) — vs. Brownsville Veterans Memorial — 7:30 PM
*October 30 (Friday) — @ San Benito — 7:30 PM
*November 6 (Friday) — vs. Los Fresnos — 7:30 PM
