Lightning Football News...

Hello Joshua Springs fans, and welcome to another exciting year of Lightning football. This year promises to be great year as well. For the opening game the Lightning hosted the #9 team in the 8-Man Large School Division, the Southlands Eagles. This game was challenging, and at the end of the game, it came to one last drive with the Lightning coming out victorious 28-26!

As the crowd filled the stands, the Lightning Captains stepped on the field for the coin toss. Bryan Bates (75), Jordan Leichtner (43), Chris Bridenstine (83), and Stephen Wilcox (32), all seniors, were chosen to represent the Lightning football team. The Lightning won the toss and selected to kick the ball off. As the ball was kicked, all 1,200 fans stood to watch the Lightning strike the Eagles.

For the first series the Lightning Defense held strong. The ball was turned over on downs. The Lightning now had the ball and the momentum. The Lightning were all pumped up, and ready to strike at will. Tim Krapivkin was ready to show the Eagles his new T.K.O Offense. The fans roared as the Lightning hit 4 quick plays to put them within the 10-yard line. Veer right was the next play call. The play was successful as Tony Garrido walked into the end zone. On a kick by Kevin Adair for the point after, The Lightning were ahead, 7-0. After a great kick by Adair the Eagles took over on the 15-yd line. Once again the Eagles failed to get a first down and were forced to punt the ball. Bridenstine received the ball and took it 20 yards. Play after play the Lightning drove with one goal in mind: to get in the end zone. As the Eagles grew tired, the Lightning grew stronger. Krapivkan scored on a blast left QB keeper. Adair Kicked the PAT to add another point. The score was now 14-0.

The kick off was returned this time for 13 yards. The Eagles started on the 18-yard line. But, the Eagles, once again were unable to score. They punted the ball and prepared their defense for another hard drive. The Lightning's rushing game was working and they decided to try a pass. The ball sort of hung in the air and an Eagle defender picked it off for an Interception. This was a huge momentum swing that led the Eagles to score on offense. The Eagles also made the 2-point conversion. The score was now 14-8 JS. On the next series the Lightning started on their 30-yard line. A Lightning drive all the way to the Eagle 12-yd line looked promising until a fumbled ball gave the Eagles possession. The Eagles kept driving until they finally scored. The Eagles failed to score the extra point. The scored was now dead-even 14-14 and that is how the first half ended.

As the fans stood, Adair kicked the ball off to start the second half and the the Lightning Defense anchored by Dustin Pourtemour, Kyle Cleveland, Wilcox and Bates went to work. They stopped the ball carrier at the 25-yard line. As the Eagles continued to drive, the Lightning were slowly loosing momentum and the Eaglesscored again. The 2-point conversion was good, the Eagles were up 22-14. The lightning may have lost momentum, but not spirit. Now, as the eagles went to kick off, the lightning was furious. The ball was kicked, as Bridenstine ran for 20 yards, putting the Lightning at their own 30. The Offense kept driving, but was unable to get a first down. They were forced to punt the ball. The defense was on the field, and ready to get the ball back. As the eagles snapped the ball, Wilcox was on them. He caused a fumble that Bridenstine scooped up, and ran in for a touchdown. The Lightning missed the extra point. The Eagles were still up 22 - 20.

The Eagles put together a storng drive all the way to the Lightning 10-yard line with 5 minutes left. As the game was coming to an end, The Lightning realized that they needed to score. They caught the Eagles off guard, and made them fumble. Lightning recovered it on their own 15-yard line. With the time counting down, the Lightning marched down the field on one last drive, and Garrido scored the final touchdown. THE LIGHTNING WON THE GAME!!!!

This game was given to the Lord, who led us into battle, and led us out victorious. The game was played as a team, and won as a team. They never gave up. Thanks to the coaches, the team had enough energy, and spirit to keep driving. The Southlands Eagles played a great game. Last year their only loss was in the play-offs to the team who eventually won CIF. It was a great game, and we hope to see you next week as we take on the #3 team: The Bloomington Ravens at 7:00 at Home in Lighting stadium. See you there!