For the first time this season, Harlingen will have a chance to prove themselves in a conference matchup. They will welcome the Veterans Memorial Chargers at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Harlingen has given up an average of 35.7 points per game this season, but Thursday's game will give them a chance to turn things around.
On Friday, Harlingen came up short against Cuero and fell 35-27. While losing is never fun, the Cardinals can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Texas football rankings (they are ranked 695th, while the Gobblers are ranked 129th).
Noah Huerta
| 10/03/25 vs Cuero | 142 |
| 09/25/25 @ Mission Veterans Memorial | 175 |
| 09/19/25 vs United South | 158 |
| 09/12/25 @ Vela | 13 |
| 09/05/25 vs Harlingen South | 23 |
Despite the loss, Harlingen had strong showings from Hassan Woolery, who rushed for 197 yards and a pair of TDs on only 11 carries, and Noah Huerta, who rushed for 142 yards and two scores while picking up 8.9 yards per carry. With that strong performance, Huerta is now averaging an impressive 102.2 rushing yards per game.
Meanwhile, Veterans Memorial strolled into their game on Thursday with a perfect record and they left with the same. Everything went their way against Pioneer as they made off with a 46-21 win. Considering the Chargers have won five contests by more than 24 points this season, Thursday's blowout was nothing new.
Harlingen better keep an eye on Calvin Trevillion. He was instrumental in Veterans Memorial's win, rushing for 217 yards and three touchdowns on only ten carries. Manny Escobedo helped out on the ground, rushing for 86 yards.
Veterans Memorial was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 436 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Pioneer only rushed for 160.
This is the second loss in a row for Harlingen and nudges their season record down to 1-5. Those defeats can't be blamed on the team's offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 32.0 points over those games. As for Veterans Memorial, their victory bumped their record up to 6-0.
Thursday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Harlingen has been excellent on the ground this season, having averaged 174.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Veterans Memorial struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 455.7 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Harlingen was taken down by Veterans Memorial 40-9 when the teams last played back in October of 2024. Will the Cardinals have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.
