Unity-focused Canyon Ridge football wants to “put on a show”

Canyon Ridge football players smiled, sipped Gatorade and mingled while their cheerleaders posed for photos because it was an opportunity for them, too.

And a symbol of how Riverhawks head coach Juan Alvarado will lead his team in 2024 as they aim for their third consecutive playoff appearance. Not just a football team. But the school’s football team that welcomes everyone.

“I tell our administration and all the coaches who interview me Monday through Friday until 3 p.m. on Friday that we are students and we are here,” Alvarado told the Times-News“But after that we’re rock stars. We’re going to put on a show and leave everything behind us.”

A Friday Night Lights show includes everything from an enthusiastic student section to a loud band and a passionate cheerleading squad. Here’s what you can expect from the Riverhawks in 2024.

“I think it’s definitely such a good feeling because we were always so used to being excluded and just being cheerleaders and the student section being its own thing,” cheerleader Paulina Haller-Cruz told the ^ “Times News”.

Alvarado’s mission of unity carries over to the players, who are focused after a 2023 season that started 5-0 for the first time and ended with the school’s second consecutive playoff appearance. Senior wide receiver Kade McEntire told the Times-News The team spirit has become stronger this season.

And what about the start of the 2023 season?

Don’t remind Alvarado. He doesn’t care.

“I don’t like to talk about it,” he said. “To me, it’s just a small step. I told them last year, don’t hang banners saying you started 5-0. You only hang district and state championships.”

In Alvarado’s second season, the goals are bigger and he is more aware of the depth of his roster. He said he knows his team’s star players for the 2023 season, but not every talented player.

The Riverhawks have 22 graduates – including nine All-Great Basin Conference members. Five All-Conference players return, including McEntire and Adan Lua.

“We have grown together and our relationships go beyond what we expected,” Lua told the ^ “Times News”.

Alvarado said he has 22 seniors and is looking for former junior varsity players like Brenner Kunz, Kalab Hoffman and Danny Torres to make their breakthrough.

Expect a fast-paced offense and one with a quarterback who will have to be determined during training camp in the fight for the title.

Nate Holstine temporarily stepped in in 2023 when quarterback Conner Willis, who now plays at NAIA Carroll College, was sidelined due to injury.

The search for success begins on August 23rd at 7:00 p.m. at Emmett.

“It’s like throwing us into the fire,” senior Chris Erling told the Times-News“Just go out and play.”