The San Benito vs. Harlingen rivalry has been one of the most intense rivalries in the nation for decades now. The rivalry is so intense the Washington Post write an investigative piece in the early 1990s analyzing why this rivalry was so heated. In the end, it may not matter why there is so much hatred in this rivalry. All that matters is what happens on the field.

The Harlingen Cardinals come into the game on Friday night 3-2 overall under head coach Manny Gomez. They started the season a strong 3-0, but they have since lost their last two matchups. San Benito is 2-3 on the season overall, having also lost their last two matchups. Both teams will look to rebound from these recent struggles with a win over their arch rival.

MVP

AJ Garcia
San Benito

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Albert Mercado

San Benito

Albert is a 3 year varsity letterman in football and baseball. He is an active member of the History Club as well as Rho Kappa. Albert plans to attend college next year and study to become a physical therapist. Although he has accumulated more than 30 college credit hours at Texas A&M Kingsville, he is still undecided on where he would like to attend college full time next year.
Cole Swinnea

Harlingen

A former Cardinal Ball Boy since the 3rd grade, Cole is now a Defensive End and Special Teams Standout for the Cardinals, in addition to being an exceptional Track athlete, qualifying for Area and Regional level in the 400 meter run. Cole is a member of Calvary Baptist Church, National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has also volunteered his time at the Humane Society and the Rotary Interact Club. Cole has been accepted to and will attend Texas A&M University in College Station next fall.

HALL OF FAME

Armando Medrano

San Benito

Armando played in the Battle of Arroyo for 2 years. As a junior for the Greyhounds he was a key factor for the game, which became known as “The Comeback,” where after being down 21-3 at the half, Armando caught the winning touchdown with 58 seconds remaining to seal a 25-21 win for the Greyhounds. In addition to being a 2 year football letterman, Armando was a 4 year varsity starter for the baseball team as well. He is now attending college and is pursuing a degree in education in hopes to become a teacher and high school coach.
Bobby Lucio

Harlingen

Bobby is a 1978 graduate of Harlingen High School where he was an All-District Safety and track star, helping win 2 Battle of the Arroyos, as well as an Undefeated District Championship in football, plus a District Championship in Track also, including a 440 & Mile Relay District Championships as well. The son of Armando & Regina Lucio, both from San Benito, Bobby was raised as a Greyhound until his family moved to Harlingen. Coach “Lu”, is in his 32nd year as a Varsity Coach, & has been a positive influence on countless students & athletes throughout the years, including several coaches on both sidelines tonight. Along with his wife, Viola, Class of 79, Bobby raised & coached his children, Luke, Class of ’10 & Leah Class of ’12. Coach Lucio continues to be a great supporter of high school football in the Valley, especially our great Battle.

GAME SUMMARY

San Benito were reeling after a heavy loss to Midland Lee two weeks ago and came into this Rivalry Series game against Harlingen motivated and ready to battle. These two teams looked incredibly even all night, but San Benito consistently found any answer to what Harlingen threw at them. In the end, San Benito finished the night with a 42-28 victory over Harlingen. The win moves the Greyhounds to 3-3 and pushes the Cardinals back to 2-3 on the season.

GAME GALLERY