By Fred Robledo
South El Monte high school football coach Ray Hernandez resigned after two years and a 4-17 overall record, telling his players over lunch on Friday that he wants to spend more time with his family. Hernandez took over at South El Monte in 2009 after longtime coach Erick Escamilla resigned but remained a teacher at the school. Escamilla has submitted applications for neighboring head coaching positions since, and his return to the helm is a strong possibility, though athletic director Sonia Ayala said the position will be floated.
“Coach Hernandez resigned for family and personal reasons,” Ayala said. “He just told the kids and handed us his letter (Friday). At this point, we’re going to fly the position. We don’t have anyone in mind, we will go through the process.”
When asked if Escamilla might return, she said it was too early to tell.
“He’s (Escamilla) still teaching, and never ruled out returning but what he plans to do we haven’t heard,” Ayala said.

In 12 years Escamilla compiled an overall record of 63-65-1, which included a CIF-Southern Section Divisional semifinal appearance in 2005.
Hernandez’s best year came as the head coach at La Puente when he led the Warriors to the Montview League title in 2007.
However, the following year Hernandez never finished the season, resigning during the middle of the 2008 campaign over philosophical difference’s with the school’s administration, he said at the time.
The Warriors finished 1-9 and the next year Hernandez was named the head coach at South El Monte.