By Christopher Lyke
Texas HS Football Chief Editor

The Harlingen Cardinals have actually become a staple atop the district standings as of late and the 2006 season should be no different despite the Cards only returning four starters off last year's 10-3 squad. Among the teams looking unseat the Cardinals at the top will be PSJA High and Harlingen South. PSJA North and Edinburg should also figure into the district playoff race. And as an added bonus, PSJA Memorial, a move up from the 4A ranks should also play a big role in the playoff chase.

Looking at what the Harlingen Cardinals have, it is safe to assume that the running game will be back in order with Justin Hernandez returning. In 2005, Hernandez racked up a total of 1,060 yards and 14 touchdowns. Now it is 2006 and the Cardinals will be relying on the offensive line to help give Hernandez to holes that need. Nike Saenz and Tont Bercian will be to key players to watch in the trenches.

On the defensive side, the strength of the Cardinals will be on the front lines. The return of Manny DeLeon and Felipe Garcia should help. DeLeon is a very physical and effective tackler up front and will be looking to increase his production. Garcia, a linebacker, was the leading tackler for the Cardinals last season. If things are clicking the way they should, the Cardinals will be in for a good season.

PSJA High is another team that is looking to make its prescence known on the ground. Under Mel Rios' Wing T offense, the Bears will be counting on Marco Garcia to have a repeat of his junior sason. Garcia picked up 1,762 yards of dirt while his sidekick R.J, Maldonaldo racked up an additional 740 yards. If the Bears can control the ground and the clock with effectiveness, then look for this team to be in the title hunt up in the front lines of the district battlefield. On the defensive side, look for Adriel de la Cruz and Matt Vazaldua to have a very big year. Expect this defense to be right on track with last year's team.

Despite only bringing back two on each side of the ball, the Harlingen South Hawks are expected to be a factor in the race. An improved offensive line should help the Hawks find a way towards entering the playoffs once again. The keys however will reside on the defensive side of the ball. It will be the defense that should take care of its business and keep the young offense on the field. The one key player to watch on the Hawk roster should be Kody Degges. Degges was a solid defensive player who caused lots of problems last year and he should do the same this season.

The battle for fourth should come between the PSJA North Raiders and Edinburg Bobcats. Both teams will be reeling off key losses from last year's teams and will be counting on a revenge tour of last season's late struggles. PSJA North's key players includes LB Cristian Garza and RB Gabriel Jara. Edinburg will be aiming at O.J. Carranco and Lupe Gomez to help get them back into the playoffs. Both teams have plenty of holes and questions to be answered in the course of the season, but should have enough forepower to make a decent playoff push.

PSJA Memorial, as a move up from 4A, will be looking build on the momentum of getting into the playoffs last season. The class change should help unite the Wolverines as a unit and increase their focus. If this squad can stay healthy and overcome the losses on defense to graduation, they should factor in the playoff picture.