News Summary

Ravenwood High School has appointed Ricky Rodriguez as the new TSSAA football coach following the resignation of former coach Will Hester. With a strong coaching background and a talented roster, Rodriguez aims to continue the success of the football program. He inherits a roster featuring 42 returning seniors and has previously led teams to notable achievements in California. The school community, including the athletic director and principal, expresses optimism about the new era in Ravenwood football under Rodriguez’s leadership.

Ravenwood High School Welcomes Ricky Rodriguez as New Football Coach

In the charming city of Brentwood, excitement is brewing at Ravenwood High School as the school has named Ricky Rodriguez as its newest TSSAA football coach. This shake-up follows the recent resignation of former coach Will Hester, who enjoyed a stellar career at Ravenwood, winning an impressive 106 games and leading the Raptors to glory in the 2015 Class 6A state championship.

Swift Transition

The announcement of Rodriguez’s hiring came swiftly on May 6, barely a week after Hester decided to step down. Hester is moving on to a new role as the assistant principal at Brentwood Middle School, leaving behind a formidable legacy that Rodriguez now has the opportunity to carry forward.

Meet the New Coach

Ricky Rodriguez hails from sunny California and boasts an impressive track record from his previous coaching stints. Most notably, he served as the head coach at James Logan High School located in Union City, California, where under his leadership, the team surged from a challenging 2-8 record to an impressive 16-6 over the two seasons he was there (2018 and 2019). His remarkable turnaround earned him accolades like the Norcal Coach of the Year and the Oakland Raiders Coach of the Year in 2018, crowning his efforts with an MVAL Championship in 2019.

Rodriguez also has experience from a coaching position at Encinal in California, where he posted a commendable 24-20 record. His last two seasons there boasted an even more impressive 20-4 record, along with two WACC Championships and three playoff appearances, which included two CIF quarterfinal appearances.

From Assistant to Head Coach

Before making his way to Ravenwood, Rodriguez served as an assistant at BGA for two seasons, where he further honed his coaching expertise. This wealth of experience makes him a strong candidate to step into his new role.

A New Era for Ravenwood Football

Ravenwood’s athletic director, Andy Elrod, is optimistic about Rodriguez’s hiring, believing that he has the unique ability to foster meaningful connections with both players and coaching staff. The former Ravenwood coach Hester also has confidence in Rodriguez, citing his elite qualities as vital for the high school football atmosphere.

Strong Roster Ready to Shine

One of the reasons why the excitement around Rodriguez’s appointment is palpable is the incredibly talented roster he inherits. With 42 seniors returning from last year’s powerhouse squad, which finished with a remarkable 13-1 record and reached the Class 6A state semifinals, Rodriguez has excellent prospects for immediate success. Standout players like quarterbacks Femi Babalola and Maverick Chance are ready to make waves as they lead their team under new guidance.

Flag Football Success

In addition to his responsibilities as the head football coach, Rodriguez also takes the reins for Ravenwood’s girls flag football team, where he has already demonstrated his knack for winning with two consecutive Williamson County district titles out of four straight championships.

Looking Forward

The anticipation is palpable at Ravenwood as principal Pam Vaden shares her excitement for the upcoming season and the promise that Rodriguez brings to the table as a coach. As Ravenwood High School prepares to kick off a new era in its football program, everyone is eager to see how the talented team will flourish under Rodriguez’s leadership.

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