Devven Ramos A Senior Leader For Kennewick With Purpose

Devven Ramos A Senior Leader For Kennewick With Purpose

by Jerry Mercado

The Kennewick Lions Senior running back / line backer Devven Ramos (6'0"-205 ) was named the Mid Columbia Conference's first ever Most Valuable Player. This time last year Grant Woods was Kennewick's star running back and Ramos was still nursing a healing collar bone.

Before he had broken his collarbone, early in the 2011 season, he was Kennewick's starting running back. He wouldn't't be the same that year and there would be whispers of whether or not he could even stay healthy.

Coming into this year Ramos carried a lot of expectations individually. As a team I had them ranked in the top 10 in the State as well as one of the top 3 teams in the MCC.

After a slow start I would be scolded for my predictions that the Lions would finish towards the Top of the League. I was called biased, told I didn't know what I was talking about, and laughed at for doing so.

The Lions would stay in the hunt for the division crown and would need a win at the end of the regular season against cross town rival Kamiakin in order to do so.

That Friday night Devven Ramos and his Kennewick teammates would make history. It was the first time the Lions would beat Kamiakin since 2005. This was the first Kennewick team to win a division crown since 1991 and this was the first ever Mid Columbia Conference championship.

Last week Kennewick hosted GSL opponent Shadle Park and their high powered passing attack that features maybe the State's brightest young Sophomore star; QB Brett Rypien.

Ramos would shine on both sides of the ball. He would consistently pressure Rypien from his outside linebacker position in Kennewick's 3-4 defense and he would run for 208 yards and 3TDs. He would be shelved early in the 4th quarter and Kennewick would cruise to a victory over Shadle Park 38-20.

This last Thursday Devven Ramos was named the Mid Columbia Conference's 1st ever Most Valuable Player. He finished the season with 1,648 yards and 15 TDs. He also led the league in yards per carry with a 6.8 average.

Here is the interview and Q and A with Devven Ramos.

Me: "You were just named the MCC MVP. You are the very first in Mid Columbia Conference history. What is your reaction to this honor?"

Devven Ramos: "It is truly is an honor to to have received the MVP award. I know it wouldn't have been possible without all the heart that my team played with this year. It is a great feeling to be rewarded for all the hard work put in."

Me: "Injuries have been an issue in the past. Everyone always said Devven is going to be great if....Describe your mind set this year as opposed to last year when you had suffered injuries?"

Devven Ramos: "My mind set hasn't really changed too much. I've always been driven to win and do anything it takes to do so. It was unfortunate to have gone done last year to injuries but I have managed to heal and stay healthy enough to accomplish what I have this year."

Me: "What specifically did you work on this year in the offseason. Cause first thing I noticed in your practice before season started was the size of your neck. Nobody gets a neck like that unless they are putting up a lot of iron."

Devven Ramos: "Just a lot of presses and shrugs. It started from rehabbing my collarbone. It really helped improve the strength in my shoulders and neck."

Me: "Coming into this year the MCC was considered tough. You were going to earn your way to the conference crown. I had you guys towards the top of my rankings but in the early season it seemed like you guys were middle of the road. When do you feel like you hit your stride and when did you know you were the team to beat?"

Devven Ramos: "I feel like our loss to Richland help us make the proper adjustments and after that we really got our rhythm."

Me: "Throughout your career you have experienced some ups and downs, what has coach Bill Templeton meant to you and what has he said to make a difference in your high school career?"

Devven Ramos: "Having played for coach Templeton for 4 years really gave me an opportunity to learn a lot from him. He has a way of keeping the morale if us players up to give us the confidence to go out and play the way we do. I am thankful to have gotten all that I have in these past 4 years playing for him."

Me: "I am very active in the youth sports community and all I can hear players and parents talk about is the excitement of watching Devven Ramos. What message would you send to your young fans and any young players aspiring to follow in your footsteps?"

Devven Ramos: "Just to always try your hardest in anything you do. It may sound cliche but it really is true. If you are willing to sacrifice your time and put forth all your effort you will be rewarded for it."

Me: What was it like to come out with the victory versus not only rival Kamiakin, but also Shadle park?

Devven Ramos: "The two wins over Kamiakin and Shadle were ones hard earned. I can't be satisfied with those wins though. I have to always be focused and looking towards beating the next opponent"

Me: "You guys have won your first conference crown since 1991 and a lot of alum are very excited. What's it like to excite your fan base the way you have?"

Devven Ramos: "It is awesome to give all the Kennewick alum something to be proud of. Our team is continuing to work hard to keep all the positive momentum flowing."

Me: "What kind of interest are you receiving?"

Devven Ramos: "I am not currently being offered anything but I'm looking forward to getting my name out there and seeing how things turn out."

Kennewick will face North Thurston this Saturday at 4pm. You can watch live on the web on www.washingtonsportsnetwork.com

The Legend of Jonah

John Crawford has seen a lot of football games in his day.  30 years worth to be exact, he is the stat man of the Mid Columbia Conference and Big9. His stats are the Bible to those that follow these leagues and they are coveted by many.  Crawford is a man of very few words yet a respected man around these parts, Edgar Brown stadium track bares the name John Crawford.

Looking at Jonah Hoe’s stats from last Friday against the Pasco Bulldogs you know that he had a special night 36 carries 436 yards rushing and 5TDs. It wasn’t until after I received the group email that all of us media receives from John Crawford that I realized exactly how special it was.  The man of few words actually gave some analysis.

John Crawford writes,

worthy note: The official rushing stat for Jonah Hoe-WW was 36 carries for 436 yds and 5 TD's. This was confirmed after review of all plays on HUDL. This is slightly different than what was reported to the media(35-433-5TD's). The difference seems to be one play credited to the wrong person, one play involving a penalty and another play with a wrong beginning spot. What  an outstanding performance. I have been doing this job for over 30 years and my mind does not remember a better performance. I have been asked this question, so if any of you know of a better performance in previous years, please convey that information to me so I can share.

Another Pasco Alum, State champion and now assistant coach Leon Jackson teaches running form.  It’s the basis to any sprint coach’s philosophy when teaching an athlete to become faster.  Jonah Hoe still posses the most beautiful running form that he’s had since his sophomore year when he became the starter for the Walla Walla Blue Devils. 

In 2010 as a sophomore, Jonah Hoe had 138 carries for 603 yards and 1 TD.  Not mind blowing numbers but I knew then Hoe would be special, so much so I put him very high on the WSN top 40 coming into his Junior year.  Before placing Jonah where I did, I didn’t have access to all the school’s film like I do today, I had to try and find film on him like everyone else on Youtube.

When I searched I didn’t find any highlight films or any game films but a different Jonah Hoe.  This Jonah Hoe plays the electric guitar for Among The Ascending and he’s really good at that as well.

“I learned to play guitar overseas as a missionary in Romania.” Says Hoe

“We would have musicians from America that were on tour in Europe stay at our house and they would teach me when they could.”

“My inspiration to learn the guitar was my Father.  I wanted to play worship with him at our Church.” says Jonah when talking about his inspiration for music.

In 2011 Jonah Hoe didn’t do as well as I projected he actually did better in terms of individual stats. He led the league in yards with 1473 and his 1816 were only 2nd behind Ike’s Denzel Jones, as a team Walla Walla struggled as they went 0-9 overall.

“Last year when we didn’t win a game my Father kept telling me to just play hard on every snap and continue to represent Walla Walla as best as I could by running my heart out even when we were down. He told me my time would come soon enough.” Said Hoe in talking about last year’s experience.

Coming into his 2012 campaign, nothing was thought about Jonah breaking records so early.

“I really didn’t set any goals about breaking records I wanted to win football games.” Said Jonah in talking about personal goals.

He was able to to do just that the very first game of the year versus a much improved Moses Lake squad. Hoe went for 31-151-1TD.  In a loss to Richland Hoe stat line was 26 carries for 143 yards 2 TDs.

Against A.C. Davis (Yakima, W.A.) Jonah Hoe ran wild for 276 yards and 4 TDs. In a Walla Walla victory 21-18

“It felt good and I think it actually helped my line because I told them to believe in me and give me just a little room and I wouldn’t let them down.  It helped solidify the trust aspect.” Said Hoe in talking about breakout game versus Davis.

All of that would come to a screaming halt against Hanford after he sprained his AC joint in his shoulder/collarbone area.  “Our trainer said my season might be done if it was broken.  My teammates had to pick me up off the ground cause I couldn’t do it myself. it was the worst pain I’ve ever had while playing football.” Said Hoe talking about week 3 injury against Hanford.

Against Kennewick Jonah Hoe would play through the pain.  In a game highlighted but Kennewick SR. Devvon Ramos running back Devvon Ramos running for 303 yards and 4 total TDs Hoe was also amazing.  In that game Hoe ran for 28 carries 133 yards and 3 total TDs.  He had an amazing 49 yard touchdown catch and 66 total receiving yards.  You could still tell that Jonah was tentative while running with his injured shoulder.  Walla Walla would lose to Kennewick 40-28.

Before the game against Pasco Jonah would be blessed by having the presence of his Grandfather Herbert Hoe in town from Hawaii to watch the game at Pasco. “He made our pregame meal which consisted of kalua pig, teryiaki chicken, chinese style barbecue chicken.” said Hoe in speaking about his Grandfather.

Jonah’s Grandfather is known as a legend in the area of Molokai and Oahu for his teachings and establishing the Hakipuu learning center.

“My relationship with him is special.  He is the best role model I know of. I don’t see him much because of how busy he is but when I do, I soak up as much knowledge as possible.” Said Hoe when talking about his Grand Father.  Jonah Hoe would need over 300 yards to become the all-time leading rusher in Walla Walla history.

“I didn’t focus on the record because when you focus on such a big record you won’t do it, so instead I focused on my footwork.  We also wanted our first league win on the road.  We hadn’t had one since 2009.  I was also inspired by my Grandfather who was watching.” Said Hoe in talking about his pregame atmosphere.

On the night of October 5th 2012, while his legendary Gradfather was watching him in the stands, Jonah Hoe himself would become Legend.

Jonah Hoe would break 4 school records.

1.         *Longest run from scrimmage, 88 yards (David Bingham, 1988, 87 yards)

2.         *Most yards rushing, career 3269 (Kyle Holman, 1994-6, 3078)

3.         Most yards rushing, game 436 (Thad Sirmon, 1984, 311)

4.         Most yards gained by a back, game 441 (Thad Sirmon, 1984,336)

5.         *Most yards gained by a back, career 3766 (Kyle Holman, 1994-9, 3183)

6.         *Most touchdowns, game 5 (tied with 3 others; most recently Zac Widmer, 2002)

7.         Most points scored, game 30 (same as #4 above)

Records courtesy of Joe Oertel.

“Well he has to be in the conversation statically alone(alltime best Walla Walla players). His numbers put him there..I want to look at number of games played as well considering he lost time last season and.his sophomore year to injury. The performance to me, has to be one of the greatest all time. More for the fact of that while there were big runs ..you never felt like he was dominating the field. It may have been the quietest 436 yard effort ever. Besides playing injured.” Says Oertel about greatest all-time Walla Walla H.S. players.

He is 6 TDs away from setting the single season mark in Walla Walla school history.

Jonah Hoe’s stats in 2012 so far 168 carries, for 1193 yards, a 7.1 per carry average and 14 TDs.  He is the Mid Columbia Conference's leading rusher and his 1434 all purpose yards also top division.

On what football means to Jonah Hoe?

“Football means everything to me.  I came from a small town called Garden Valley in Idaho where I was baptized in football from a young age. My Dad was the head coach and there was a huge passion for football.  My Dad (Keala Hoe) was an all American in high school and went to play in college ball so it has always been apart of my life with him as my personal coach.” Said Jonah about his passion for playing football.

Jonah Hoe has all the genetics it takes to play at the collegiate level.  His Father played at University of Mary in North Dakota.

So far Hoe is receiving interest from EOU, CWU and Linfield.

In a land that is mostly known for Drew Bledsoe lies the guitar playing, raccoon hunting, missionary from Walla Walla. Oh and he is pretty darn good at football too. 

Other Eastside notes:

• Logan Reardon is becoming one of the more dominant defensive players in the Mid Columbia Conference.  Like Hoe, Readon entered the Walla Walla record books when he recorded 5 sacks against Davis in week 3.  You can view his hudl film below.
• Eisenhower senior Kolney Cassel broke his leg in last Friday’s game versus Wenatchee.  The SMU commit finished as the school's all time record holder in almost every passing statistical category there was at IKE.
• AC Davis standout Carlos Vijarro injured his knee against Wenatchee last week.  His status is questionable.
• Sunnyside started the 2nds half of their season with a bang, defeatingMoses Lake 27-24, they immediately get a chance to prove it with a big game vs Eastmont this Friday.