Our beloved Blackhawks have faced a difficult year with many players recently injured, but they still continue to fight on with all they’ve got. Guards Aidan Meyers ‘19 and Gabriel Martinez ’21 were injured as of the start of the season, and Offensive Lineman Emilio Rios ‘20, was absent for the Citrus Valley game due to a sprained ankle. Defensive Lineman Cameron Wilson ‘20 has been substituted with Christian Morcus ‘19 for the whole season due to his ACL and MCL being torn in his knee during football practice. Says Wilson, “I’m really disappointed [that I can’t play] because this year was going to be the year that I was going to explode. I can’t go help support the team.”

Despite their rough start, the Blackhawks are gaining steam based on their last game, away at Lakeside. Starting Quarterback Christian Eggson ‘20 recovered from his broken thumb just in time for the first victory of the Blackhawks’ season. “I’m glad that I was part of the first win but it wasn’t only because of me. My team played really well….”

This hurrah has been made possible by LQHS’ new Varsity football Coach Rivenes. “My goal for the team is for us to continue to improve each week.  If we continue to get better, good things will start to happen. I feel honored to be able to coach such a great group of student athletes.  I am ready for the challenge that this year will bring.” Rivenes is determined to make this team the best there is in the valley whether it is this year or next, he will do whatever it takes to take them to CIF.

More impressive than the heart our football players have demonstrated, is the loyalty and enthusiasm of the fans.  Throughout the season, we have seen the size of the crowds in the stands grow larger at each game. The Bird Cage has been consistently packed with Blackhawks sporting yellow for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Even at the Flag Game, away at Palm Desert, the Blackhawk community filled the stands in white and cheered our boys on until the final bell.

No doubt the crowds will continue to grow in the coming weeks, as we challenge Palm Springs for the Mike Gates trophy and face off against Xavier at the Homecoming Game.