New offense, new conference, new coach; Indio football optimistic about the future

There was a time many decades ago when Indio was the powerhouse of the valley. Long time legendary Kansas State coach Bill Snyder even once roaming the Rajah’s sidelines on a path that eventually led him to the College Football Hall of Fame. In 2018 it’s Scott Gilbert’s team. He is going to try and turn around a program that has not had a winning season since 2008.

“Talk about rivalry, bringing back the traditions of Indio. That’s what we are here to do do, change the culture, bring the traditions back. Bring the bell back,” Scott Gilbert said.

That Bell Game dates back to 1960. The battle for bragging rights between Coachella and Indio that the Rajahs have not won since 2011.

“That would be a blessing man. I feel like we have the opportunity to beat them this year,” Patrick Zamora said.

Last year it was all about the ground attack. Nearly 200 yards a game and 75 through the air.

“A lot of the same plays, I didn’t like it but I’m not the coach,” Raythen Alvarez said.

“We’re going to try and spread it out. Throw the ball about half the time. I want to be truly balanced 50 percent run, 50 percent pass,” Gilbert said.

That passing game is going to be more important then ever. Two of their seniors graduating and another two not going out for the the team.

“It is a fresh start,” Patrick Zamora said.

Trying to get these group of guys all with a mindset in the right direction.

“Program changed. I feel like we are going to go up hill. Not how it was last year, up hill and then down hill then from there down hill some more,” Alvarez said.

Coach Gilbert is here to stay.

“I took this with the idea of being here for a long term. Getting a tradition built,” Gilbert said.

The 2018 high school football previews will air up until the season starts, which is Friday, August 17th for some of our area teams.

Blake Arthur and Cody Krupp will have complete coverage. Follow them on Twitter for more @BlakeArthurKESQ @CodyWKrupp