My experience, though limited, tells me that boys like the direct approach with their quilts. My biggest boy, (DH) didn't even know quilts were quilted!!! until I took up the hobby.
I like the idea of an 'apple core' quilt in red white and blue. Then again, I love red, white and blue together.
I made a pinwheel quilt in r,w,b several years ago, using only 4 fabrics. I posted it on QB - here's the link. I think it would work in any set of colors.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...ok-t91808.html