Suspended Monrovia running back De’Shawn Ramirez appears likely to be back on the team next season if he continues to progress at Canyon High School.
Ramirez, a junior, was suspended prior to the season for undisclosed reasons. Most are fans had him pegged for stardom after a strong sophomore season in ’09. The Wildcats did just fine without him, winning the Rio Hondo League and Mid-Valley Division championships.
“He’s definitely looking to come back next year,” Monrovia coach Ryan Maddox said. “He just has to keep correcting things and put himself in a position grades-wise to come back to the high school.
“He’s an excellent football player and athlete, but more importantly, this is about him getting back on track.”
Aram’s take: I know losing guys like QB Nick Bueno and WR Jay Henderson hurts, but the ‘Cats remain totally loaded and could be celebrating another CIF title if Ramirez makes his way back and is toting the rock for Maddox. As all of you know, I believe everyone deserves a second chance when they’re young and that it especially hurts and does more damage to star football players when they’re denied the privilege to play the sport they love. I’m not saying players who make mistakes shouldn’t be punished, but I always root for them to turn things around and make the most of their abilities.