Some thoughts on our last game and the 2019 season from Coach Erik Egan:

It’s always tough after the last game every year having kids come up to me upset and apologizing because they didn’t bring it home. It’s one of the few times I am not sure what to say to them because I know at that moment they are speaking from a place of raw emotion. But the truth is, these kids have nothing to be sorry for. Losing the last game is disappointing yes, but they didn’t let me down. 

Each week they left it all on the field, which is all one can really ask. Wins and losses matter, but 10 years from now, I won’t remember the scores of games or final records. However, I will always remember the relationships I formed with these young men and the memories we had, and in some cases, those relationships will be life long ones.

Getting to know who a kid is when the shoulder pads and helmet comes off, is one of the greatest pleasures. Every kid is unique. They come from all walks of life and each has a different story to tell. To watch them grow from boys to men from the beginning to the end of their high school careers is what makes it all worth it. It means more to me than any championship ever could.

Be sorry that it’s over, but don’t be sorry ’cause you think you let me down……’cause you didn’t. Each of you boys on some level taught me something that I will carry on with me throughout the years. I will be forever grateful to you for that.

Thank you all for allowing me to be a part of your team and your lives this year, and for you seniors, the last 3-4 years. It’s been a heck of a ride.

Hillmen Pride

Placer ended the 2019 season as the 2019 Foothill Valley League Champions: with 10 wins and 3 losses. It was their 8th league championship in a row! Here are some more amazing facts about 2019:

Of Placer’s 13 opponents, 11 made the playoffs;

Of Placer’s 3 losses, two became Section champions (Manteca, Cardinal Newman) and one was the Division 2 Section runner-up (Whitney);

Placer defeated a defending State Champion (Rio Linda) and two defending Section Champions (Bishop O’Dowd, Eureka);

Placer vanquished a previously unbeaten school (Buhach Colony) and ended their season;

Placer went undefeated in the Foothill Valley League as the school with the smallest enrollment.

And when the team took its traditional FVL champion picture at midfield, they made sure that jersey number 44 was on display, as their teammate was recovering from season-ending knee surgery and could not be there.

In the best of times, in the worst of times, and at all times: it’s great to be a Hillman!