Long Beach Poly’s Justice Steps Forward

Winston Justice pounded defensive linemen into the ground as if they were made of marshmallows, but the Long Beach Poly offensive guard felt as if no one noticed his achievements, aside from his teammates, coaches and college scouts.

So when the Edison Field loudspeakers blared his name during player introductions before the Jackrabbits’ Southern Section Division I title football game against Huntington Beach Edison, Justice paused to soak in the attention.

“Offensive linemen don’t get their name called out that much--except for holding,” quipped Justice, The Times’ lineman of the year.

In fact, the 6-foot-7, 300-pound Justice, who finished his senior season with 38 pancake blocks, had his name called quite a bit during the Jackrabbits’ title run.

“When it came down to a crunch play, needing a few yards on third or fourth down, I would tell Justice that Hershel Dennis was running right behind him,” Poly Coach Raul Lara said. “Every time I’d tell him that, we’d get a first down.”

Justice brings more to the game than sheer size and strength. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.8 seconds, has perfect technique and could make an impact as a college freshman, according to recruiters.

“Winston Justice is the best offensive lineman that Poly has ever had,” Lara said. “The kid’s work ethic, with the size and agility and strength and the will of becoming the best, it’s incredible.”