The Harlingen Cardinals are one of the biggest programs in the Rio Grande Valley and are bringing back top talent on both sides of the ball this season.

On offense, junior quarterback Hassan Woolery leads the way. The dual-threat quarterback is considered one of the best athletes in high school football in The Valley.

As he enters his junior year, Woolery knows what's at stake.

"It means a lot to me. I mean, I just go out like every other year. This is the year I need to make it happen, so there's no time wasted," Woolery said. "I just do what the coaches tell me to do. We have plays set for everything, so as long as I follow what the coaches will tell me to do, I know it's gonna come out successful."

Senior wide receiver Dayton Mireles said Woolery's leadership goes beyond the field.

"I feel like a lot of people see what's on the field, but off the field he's the same way. He's a good leader. He tells us when to be here. He keeps us accountable," Mireles said.

On defense, senior linebacker Davian Renteria headlines the group after a stellar year as a junior in which he took home multiple nods as a Channel 5 Playmaker.

The Cardinals are set to compete in District 32-6A, one of the toughest districts in Texas.

Renteria said the team feels ready for that challenge.

"We know we can compete with these teams and give them a good game, you know. We know that if we give them a good game, we're gonna come out on top," Renteria said.

Mireles said the schedule heading into district play is no accident.

"Coach Gomez, one thing he does as a good head coach is he challenges us with some good games. He put good games on the schedule to prepare us for district. It's not like we're taking it easy in the regular season, we're going against good teams," Mireles said.

The Cardinals open the season against McAllen Rowe, followed by the Bird Bowl against Harlingen South in Week 2. They then face Eagle Pass, Corpus Christi Miller and Midland before a Week 6 bye.

District play begins with PSJA, then PSJA North in Week 8 and Brownsville Veterans in Week 9. San Benito follows in Week 10 before the Cardinals close out against reigning district champion Los Fresnos in Week 11.