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McALLEN — At halftime of McAllen Memorial’s game against Sharyland last week, Mustangs standout Ben Garcia’s numbers were pedestrian at best.

Some of that had to do with Sharyland’s defense, but Garcia had only four carries for 24 yards at intermission.

Similar to many of the other Mustangs skill players, Garcia, who will help lead the Mustangs against Donna in on Friday at Bennie La Prade Stadium, needed only one play to make an impact.

On his first reception of the second half, Garcia weaved his way past the Rattlers defenders and then sped his way for a 77-yard touchdown run that turned the game competitive. It is the type of big play Mustangs coach Bill Littleton is accustomed to from the senior.

“One reason (Ben) has come on is because Andrew (Salinas) is having such a successful season,” Littleton said. “After Andrew got hurt, it was kind of Jake (Garza) for a little bit. People watch those videos and they say they have to stop No. 3 or No. 21. They turn No. 9 loose. We have a bunch of them that can play, and the last few weeks it has been Ben.”

Garcia finished the Sharyland game with seven totes for 49 yards and four receptions for 101 yards.

On the season, he has rushed for 622 yards and has hauled in 29 passes for 438 yards. He has also found the end zone 12 times and is a threat at just about any position he plays, including special teams.

He laughed when asked what position he plays. For the record, Garcia is listed as a running back on the Memorial roster.

“I don’t even know,” Garcia said about his position. “Coach (Marcus) Kaufmann calls me ‘Slash’ because I play different positions.”

Defensive back Steve Attwood said he understands why his coaches don’t hesitate to get the ball into Garcia’s hands.

“He makes the big play in the game when we need it the most,” Attwood said. “He’s the guy I wouldn’t mind giving the ball to if I was the quarterback. I know he will make the plays if he gets the ball.”

Peter Rasmussen covers District 30-5A football for Valley Freedom Newspapers. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.