Roberts chosen 8-man football coach of the year

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Joshua Springs Christian in Yucca Valley might be tiny but it’s a giant when it comes to 8-man football. Despite being in a town with a population less than 30,000 and having a student body of 140, the school is gaining recognition as having perhaps the best 8-man football program in the Southland.

It certainly earned that distinction this year. Several weeks after winning the Southern Section 8-man Division I championship, the Lightning have another award to add to their trophy case. Coach Jackie Roberts was selected coach of the year in the Southern Section after guiding his team to a 12-0-1 record, its sixth Agape League title in seven years and its ninth consecutive trip to the playoffs. With Roberts at the helm, the Lightning have won 83 of 104 games (nearly 80%).

-- Image from moonraker.com

Roberts’ selection shouldn’t come as a surprise. Outside of a 12-12 nonleague tie versus Rolling Hills Prep in Week 4, the Lightning dominated their competition about as much as one team can. Joshua Springs posted four shutouts, scored 50 or more points seven times and 60 or more four times. The bad news for opposing programs is that Roberts isn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. With nine seniors graduating the question is whether the Lightning will strike again next season.

We’ll find out soon enough. Joshua Springs opens against Faith Baptist, the same team it beat, 36-32, in the section final November 30.

-- Steve Galluzzo