Lightning Football News...

The Lightning may only be 1-2 on the year, and yes, it is their worst start since the 2000 season, but you get the feeling this team is getting ready to explode!

The Riverside Christian Cougars (2-1) came into Lightning stadium on Friday as a 2-TD favorite to win and almost got upset by a Lightning team that had other plans.

In the first quarter, The Cougars had their running came going as they marched down the field and put one in for six points, but could not convert on the kick. So the score was 0-6, Cougars.

The Lightning got the ball and was moving pretty well but got stopped on downs and had to punt. The Cougars then moved the ball down deep into Lightning territory but got stopped by the Lightning defense and was forced to kick a field goal. The score was then 9-0, Riverside Christian.

The Lightning, having only lost 3 games at home in the last four years, put together a great drive and then scored on a 2-pt conversion making it 8-9, Cougars.

In the 2nd quarter, Riverside had another good drive making the score, 8-16 Cougars, after the extra point was good.

This time the Lightning came storming back with excellent running by Junior Tony Garrido and Freshman Eddie Nixon. The Lightning scored six making it 16-16 after also making a 2-pt conversion. That was the half-time score.

The Lightning dominated the 3rd quarter! After receiving the 2nd half kickoff, the Lightning marched down the field with a powerful running came that had Riverside Christian on its heels. The Lightning scored but did not convert the extra point. The score was now 22-16 Lightning.

The Cougars got the ball but were getting nowhere fast because of great defensive play by the Lightning. Then the Cougars fumbled the ball and the Lightning got it back around midfield.

The Lightning then marched all the way to a first and goal situation. There was only seven minutes left in the game. The Lightning coaches knew that if we went up by two touchdowns the game would be ours. So they decided to stick with what got them there, rushing the ball!

The Cougar defense, now tired from being on the field most of the 2nd half, put together a great defensive stand. After three tries, it was 4th and goal with the ball on the 1-yd line.

A field goal would have put us up two scores and would have been the call, except the Lightning field-goal kicker Junior Kevin Adair was on the sidelines, with an injury from the previous week. So, a quarterback sneak was call instead. Why not, they had ran the play with success several times already on the night, but this time a misconnection from the center and Junior QB Tim Krapivkin sent the ball to the ground and the play was dead. Cougars ball.

Cougar Coach De Woody didn't win several state championships without being a sly play caller and he knew the Lightning, shell-shocked after the fumble, would be expecting a conservative rushing play to get out of the hole. So, instead of rushing the ball, he went for it all and had his QB air it out down the sidelines catching the Lightning secondary off guard for a 79-yd TD pass. The extra point was good and with only 5:30 on the clock, it was now 22-23, Cougars.

The Lightning got the ball and tried to mix up the plays to throw the Cougar defense off but The Cougars, smelling a victory close at hand, played excellent defense stopping the Lightning in four downs. The Cougars took over and ran out the clock.

This was a great game for both teams. The kind of game that builds character in players. Congratulations to both teams for a game of hard-hitting and good sportsmanship.

Well, It doesn't get any easier for the Lightning, as they will be taking on 6th Ranked California Lutheran this Saturday night at Lightning Stadium. Cal Lu is coming of a 24-20 victory over Bloomington Christian who beat the Lightning 48-18 two weeks ago. So, this will be another tough game for the Lightning.

The game will start at 7:00PM, the snack bar opens at 5:30 so come early and have dinner at the Lightning BBQ area. Remember every one wearing a purple Lightning shirt gets in for only $1.

Lightning JV Crushes Riverside Christian 46-0!

The Lightning JV team is on fire! They have defeated their first two opponents 96-0, with both games stopped early because of the 8-man mercy rule.

The Riverside Christian JV team was no match for the Lightning. Some fans thought with JV standout, Freshman Eddie Nixon, moving up to varsity, that the Lightning might be a little down in the rushing area. But then Coach Cannavo unleashed his secret weapon, Junior Joe Virga, who had everybody on their feet as he showcased his blazing speed for one 10yd gain after another. (and we only thought he played baseball!)

It wasn't only offense being showcased by the Lightning JV, the defense was awesome, producing multiple sacks that had the Cougar QB running for his life most of the game. One stop made by Alex Carter brought the crowd to its feet, "Man, what a hit!" They roared. It was... a great play.

If you want to see this year's JV team in action you need to come out early to the games. The JV games start at 4:00. You won't be disappointed.

Next up for the Lightning JV is California Lutheran this Saturday at Lightning Stadium. Go Lightning!

More Football News

Sept 17th, 2004
Bloomington Christian Wins 48-18 over Lightning!

Sept 15th, 2004
Bloomington Christian to Challenge the Lightning!

Sept 10th, 2004
Lightning Win 28-22 in come-from-behind Victory!

June 15th, 2003
Visit the Lightning Football Archives for 2002!