ALAMO HEIGHTS, Texas - A new era is underway for the Alamo Heights football team after longtime head coach Ron Rittimann announced his retirement, opening the door for Rudy Nerio to lead one of the area's most successful and closely watched programs.

"It's a dream come true," Nerio said.

"This place is home for us, my kids go to school here, I've really bought into this community and what we're doing here, and I just feel like I have the best job in the city." Nerio was promoted from coordinator to head coach after five years with the program and now takes over a Mules team coming off a deep playoff run.