Lightning Football News...

The Joshua Springs Lightning (11-0, 4-0) took their perfect record to Santa Monica to meet the Windward Wildcats (6-5, 2-1) 48-34 at Windward on Saturday afternoon. The Lightning thundered to their 11th straight win and move on to the CIF 8 Man Division I semi-final game against their arch-rival Riverside Christian.

This is the third undefeated season in the last five years for the Lightning whose five year record is now 48-9. The Lightning remain #2 in the CIF DIV I polls behind undefeated and reigning 8 Man Div 1 Champion Faith Baptist, who have 23 straight wins over the past two years. Joshua Springs have been preparing all year for a showdown in the finals with the reigning champions.

The Lightning came out striking by turning two turnovers into a fast 20 – 0 lead in the first quarter. The offense rolled up 302 total yards against the Wildcats; 247 Yds were on the ground and 55 Yds came via the air despite losing the ball three times on two fumbles and an interception. The Lightning defense was uncharacteristic in showing some weakness for the first time this year allowing 180 Yds in the air and 134 on the ground. The Lightning defense bent but did not break by creating 3 turnovers also with 3 interceptions.

The Lightning defense came out strong by allowing Windward only 10 Yds total offense in their first three drives while plucking 2 interceptions that led to 12 quick points. Head Coach Jackie Roberts pointed out the defense did an overall great job and simply suffered from a few coverage breakdowns and turnovers by the offense that he feels will be easily corrected before the Semi-Final match up this coming Friday. Roberts explained, “Windward had four big plays on us, but we are confident we can make the necessary adjustments. The bottom line is we beat a very good team in Windward and this time of year especially, A Win IS A Win. Our coaching staff and players are turning our attention to Riverside.” The Wildcats scratched back to tighten the score to 28 – 14 at half-time. One play into the second half Windward made things interesting by connecting on a 65 yard bomb to start the second half making a game of it at 28 -21 with 7:55 left in the 3 rd Quarter. The Lightning went on a 4.5 minute drive scoring on a 14 yard strike from Jesse Frazer to Tommy Higgins. The Lightning continued to quench the hopes of the Wildcats with two more drives that built the lead to 48 – 21 with just over five minutes remaining in the game. Windward never gave up fighting to the end but eventually falling to the Lightning with a final score of 48-34.

Tops in offense were Sophomore QB Jesse Frazer who was 7 of 15 for 61 Yds and 1 TDs in the air while also picking up 21 Yds on 10 carries and 3 TD runs, Senior RB Tony Garrido carried much of the load on the ground with 18 carries for 86 Yds, three TD runs and a 2 Pt. Conversion, Sophomore RB Eddie Nixon led the team with 117 Yds rushing on 18 carries as well, Junior receiver Tommy Higgins hauled in 6 catches for 60 Yds and 1 TD catch. Coach Roberts also took advantage of the early lead by allowing three others to take a few carries as well.

The Defensive leaders were Sophomore Eddie Nixon who had 17 tackles, one for a loss and added three deflected passes, Seniors defensive ends JC Roberts and Kyle McClay combined for 15 total tackles, 2 for losses, 2 sacks and six QB knockdowns, Senior Tony Garrido made his presence known with 10 tackles, a ½ sack and returned an interception 24 yards, one for a loss and a pass defense, Junior Aaron Newman clogged the middle with 7 tackles, Senior Kyle McClay had 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks for minus 12 yards, Junior Tommy Higgins had 6 tackles and a pass defense, Senior Tim Krapivkin had 8 tackles playing both safety and corner positions adding two deflected passes and a caused fumble, and Senior Joe Virga had a great day with 3 tackles, an Interception that he returned for 35 yards. Virga also boomed a punt 69 yards pinning the Wildcats to their one yard line.

The Lightning are taking their well-balanced attack to the Semi-Final round at home against Riverside Christian at Lightning Stadium this coming Friday, November 25th at 7:00PM. Please come out and cheer on the undefeated Lightning squad as they take one last hurdle to the Championship Game.

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Lightning Defeats Excelsior Education Center 49-12!

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Oct. 14th, 2005
Lightning Defeats the Royals in 48-0 Blowout!

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