KINGSVILLE — In foot-ball, it’s usually the offen-sive unit that shines. It’s the offensive skill players who make headlines and get all the attention. It’s usually the offense that makes the difference.

But against San Antonio Southwest on Friday, it was the defense that made the difference for the Harlingen Cardinals in their area-round win.

After running wild against Rio Grande City in the bi-district round last week, Southwest’s offense was virtually shut down by the Cardinals Big D.

HARLINGEN — A couple of years ago, Tyler Armstrong was the skinny kid playing football.

Armstrong was a sophomore defensive end on Harlingen's J.V. squad. He didn't have the size but he was fast.
A move to varsity as a junior led to change in position.

Armstrong became a safety for the Cardinals. And now in his second season at that position, Armstrong is one of the hardest hitting safeties around.

"It's been really fun this season," Armstrong said. "I enjoy laying out receivers."

He's not the only one.