Written by: Brandon Baney
The football program at Canyon Ridge has struggled to take off in the short history of Twin Falls’ second public high school. Since the school officially opened its doors in 2009, the Riverhawks have only qualified for the postseason three times:
2014, when the Riverhawks fell to Middleton 20-17 in the first round.
2017, when they fell to Middleton again in a first round game, 44-7.
And last year, when the Riverhawks snuck in as the 16th and final team before bowing out to Bishop Kelly 70-0 in the opening round.
Naturally, coming off of a playoff appearance a year ago, Canyon Ridge fans are hungry for a repeat trip. But the coach who helped engineer a quick two-year turnaround, James Poole, departed as quickly as he arrived.
And so, the task of continuing Canyon Ridge’s upward rise falls to first-year coach Juan Alvarado. Alvarado knows the Great Basin Conference inside and out, after serving as an assistant coach at Burley for four seasons, and more recently, league champion Minico for five years.
The transition for Alvarado won’t be too turbulent, as a strong group of seniors are back in 2023.
The offense, in particular, has great potential. “We’ll have a senior-heavy offense that will run downhill,” Alvarado said. “Caleb Sommers will get his fair share of touches and our intermediate and deep passing game will be led by Conner Willis.”
Seniors Jose Garcia and Layne Schulz will lead an offensive line tasked with opening holes for Sommers. Willis’ top targets in the passing game will be senior tight end Jasper Robinson and junior receivers Jarrett Huff and Dylan Brown.
Defensively, Canyon Ridge struggled at times a year ago against upper echelon competition, as evidenced by their first round exit against Bishop Kelly. Alvarado said the key to playing better defense is simple: “Rally to the ball!”
Robinson will hold down the fort at defensive end, while linebacker Conner Claborn is another Canyon Ridge defender to keep an eye on.
Overall, though, there’s no denying that there is a sense of renewed optimism within the halls at Canyon Ridge High. “More kids came out for football this year, and they are excited to play,” said Alvarado.
Defending league champion Minico was hit hard by graduation, so there’s no shortage of teams looking to knock the Spartans off of their perch in the Great Basin Conference. Canyon Ridge can get there, according to Alvarado, as long as, “We are on the same page and we rally to the ball.”