Perez, Ramirez Ready to Lead Flatonia Turnaround

The Flatonia Bulldogs are really hungry for a win.

They have spent all offseason with the bad taste of a nine-game losing streak.

Friday is their first chance to end that streak as the Bulldogs open the season at home against Louise.

Two of the biggest keys to Flatonia success this season are seniors Caysen Perez and junior Kevin Ramirez.

Perez is one of seven seniors on this year’s Bulldogs team. He will play running back and linebacker for Flatonia.

He’s been on varsity since he was a freshman.

“I’m feeling food, excited for my senior year,” Perez said. “I’m going to cherish every moment,” Perez has had three different head football coaches during his high school football career. His freshmen year was Chris Freytag’s final year with the Bulldogs. Then he had two years with the just-departed Brent Mascheck, and now last year’s assistant Matt Uzzell has taken over.

“There’s been a lot of changes, but what I’ve learned from the people around me is to embrace change and just be able to adapt to everything and overcome,” Perez said.

“This year, these practices, we’ve felt like more of a family and that will turn things around this year.”

Meanwhile, junior Kevin Ramirez had a breakout alldistrict season last year for Flatonia and will play nose guard and center for the Bulldogs.

“I’m feeling good about this season, we have a good group,” Ramirez said. “Personally, I just want to keep doing better, keep going, don’t let off the gas.”

Ramirez and Perez think opponents are going to see a much different Bulldogs team this season.

“We’re hungry, we have nothing to lose,” Ramirez said. “I think a lack of working as a team kept us from winning some of those close games last year – the little things.”

“There’s been a lot of change,” Perez said. “And I’m ready to see what’s in store for us.”