By Tim Peterson
(Bell Gardens) – Hector Novoa has stepped down as the head football coach at Bell Gardens after two years he confirmed Wednesday.
Novoa led the Lancers to a CIF Division 14 Championship last year as they beat Lynwood 27-14 in the Finals. It was the school’s first ever CIF Championship. Then after beating Jordan in the first round of the D-7 Regional State Bowl they advanced to the State Regional Championship where the Lancers fell to Strathmore 42-7. Bell Gardens went 10-6 overall.
In 2022, in Novoa’s first season, Bell Gardens won the Almont League with a 5-0 record and finished 7-4 overall and lost in the first round of the Division 11 playoffs to Bellflower. Under Novoa Bell Gardens went 17-10 in his two-year stint.
Novoa was named Almont League Coach of the Year in 2022 and ’23 and was also named CIF Coach of the Year in 2023.
After two solid years Novoa’s coaching days may not be over. He could land a job on another High School staff in the area if the right opportunity arises.
Bell Gardens will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
Anyone know where he is going? La Puente HS?
Wow! Great coach, great leader had a thing to get kids believing & playing hard for him. Good luck coach wish you well
Beltran back to BG?
Bassett/Whittier ex HC?
Probably going back to Amat. Good luck to him where ever he lands.
To leave this late in the year sucks
Coach Novoa by far is one of the greatest coaches I know to be apart of his championship team is everything. Thank you for what u have done for this school coach.
Met coach a couple years ago he’s a good man what he was able to do for the Bell Gardens football program in his two years says a lot about him. Good luck coach!
BG finally heading in the right direction we finally got our coach to lead us and now he’s gone. SMH
Devastating blow for BG! Coach thank you for everything!
This means he has another job lined up
…Arroyo ??