La Quinta Blackhawks beginning new era but hoping for similar success

There is certainly a different feeling around the La Quinta Blackhawks this season.

“Different vibe, different team, the way we do things is different,” Marcus McAvoy said.

“Different hype, more of a younger vibe,” Fred Massie said.

“It’s been a little weird but like Fred said it’s a different vibe. Coach is a little bit younger,” Grant Hartzel-russel said.

Coach Rivenes has dove in head first with no hesitation.

“The buy in has been there. The biggest thing I can say as the head coach and the experience is getting in there and making sure your face is known and your presence is there,” Patrick Rivenes said.

A former Blackhawk quarterback himself under Armstrong. 2003 he led the program to their first ever CIF Championship so the LQ mindset is not going anywhere.

“I understand what it takes to be a Blackhawk and these kids do too. Understand tradition never graduates, that’s the TNG on their back,” Rivenes said.

Unlike many other teams in the past this one feels like an underdog.

“We’re taken as big underdogs, this is a redemption year for us, we’re just coming for everybody,”

They are coming into the season with one of the youngest teams in recent years.

“We’re a young team but we have a lot of hustlers out here,” Rivenes said.

One of those young guys is going to be the replacement for 1,600 yard rusher Derrick Kennedy.

“Great running back coming up, another young kid Johnnie Lafayette so he is going to be making moves out there so we are all about next man up,” Rivenes said.

A very talented group in senior leaders in Fred Massie, Grant Russell, and Marcus McAvoy leading the way.

“Been together since we were 8 years old we have been playing all the way up,”

They know what needs to be done.

“Got to win league, Get the flag back, get back at Shadow Hills and Rancho. Coming for everything you know, ready for everything,” Massie said.