MidValleySports.Com

Ray Hernandez will continue to teach at South El Monte

(South El Monte) – South El Monte Football Coach Ray Hernandez has stepped down after two years on the job. Hernandez was 4-17 during his two year stint after coming over from La Puente to replace Erick Escamilla.

“Based on my family’s needs at this time, I have stepped down,” Hernandez said. “I’ve been at this for 15 years and my family is getting older. It’s time to take a break. My relationship with Principal Eddie Zuniga and South El Monte is great and I’m still teaching History there.”

South made the playoffs in Hernandez’ first year with a record of 3-7 with all three victories coming in league. South El Monte lost to Monrovia in the opening round of CIF.

But the Eagles went 0-5 in the Mission Valley last season with their only victory in coming in week two against Workman as they finished 1-9.

The highlight of Hernandez’ coaching career came in 2007 at La Puente when the Warriors won the Montview League title. LP held a loaded Duarte Falcon to just seven points in a stunning 10-7 victory and then took care of Azusa the following week to clinch the league crown.

Hernandez is still young and could turn up on another sideline soon.

“I’m only 36 years old so I haven’t ruled out a return to coaching. I’m thankful for the opportunity to coach but right now I need to spend more time with my kids,” Hernandez added.

South El Monte will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.