Ramon, Hillcrest Eye Quick Turnaround
The rich sports tradition at Hillcrest made accepting the head football coaching job a “no-brainer” for Jacob Ramon.
The hiring of Ramon, a former assistant coach at Plano East, to replace longtime Hillcrest coach Andy Todd, signals the beginning of a new era at the school.
A new district alignment awaits the Panthers, too, with Carrollton Ranchview, Pinkston, North Dallas, Alvarado, Carter, and Wilmer-Hutchins all grouped together in the new District 8-4A, Division I. After arriving this summer, Ramon needs to install his system quickly.
“I know we have only been [practicing] a few days, but so far our energy is sky high,” he said. “We just have to continue to stay positive and get better every day. They are like sponges, just so excited to learn. Their demeanor, mannerisms, and the way they carry themselves are very positive and extremely encouraging to me.”
Ramon wants his team to “play at least 11 games this year,” which would mean the Panthers qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2014. For that to happen, the team will lean heavily on two-way stars Christian Evans and Luis Reyes, seniors that have emerged as team leaders.
“Christian is a very athletic wide receiver and defensive back who has the ability to be a playmaker anytime he touches the ball,” Ramon said. “Luis is a lineman who leads by example. He did not miss one single day of our summer workouts. I think overall our small group of seniors really care about this football team.”
