The skies over Coyote Field were gray and cloudy last Thursday night but no rain was forthcoming. The JH Coyotes kicked off their season with Coach Jerry Burkhart unleashing his own version of Thunder and Lightning. The Thunder coming in the form of J.B. Salinas, a hard running, back/linebacker, with size, strength, and speed. The Lightning display was provided by Jordan Burkhart who struck with laser-like quickness from everywhere, offensively and defensively. The duo had Coyote field rumbling with the sound of big hits and crackling with electicity. The JH Coyotes went ahead early on a Salinas 1 yard power slam that followed a nice 31 yard run by Burkhart. J.B. Salinas pounded the PAT through the uprights for an 8-0 lead. The Coyotes backed up the Indians to their own 1 yard line and then took over on downs before Burkhart flashed in for the score and a 14-0 lead. There was no sunshine for the Indians this day. Burkhart scores again from 8 yards out and then connects with Salinas who thundered to paydirt from 39 yards out. A Burkhart to Justin Patino pass and a nifty run by Hutton Lusty completed the PATs and made the score 28-0. Burkhart shakes loose and scores from 63 yards and J.B returns the second half kickoff for 50 yards and another touchdown. More Thunder and Lightning as the Coyotes take a 42-0 lead. The Indians strike back with a kickoff return of their own but the inevitable forecast was just postponed. Hutton Lusty was in their endzone, quicker than a weatherman changes his mind in Texas, with a very nice 10 yard touchdown scamper. Coyotes lead 48-6. The game was mercifully ended with a 27 bolt from Burkhart for 6 points and a final score of 54-6. Levi Shannon and Cody Maultsby got onto the scoring sheet with nice PAT runs. The 2012 JH Coyotes again demonstrated outstanding blocking and execution. Brandon Ferguson handled the quarterbacking chores with flawless exchanges from center Justin Patino. Defensively the Coyotes were led in tackles by the Thunder and Lightning pair but Hutton Lusty was again a force to be reckoned with on defense with tackles for losses and big touchdown saving hits. Brandon Ferguson, Traven Day, and Brandon Tharp were all major contributors with multiple tackles and big hits. Coach Burkhart fields 18 Junior High players this year and all contributed in some shape, form, or fashion. The roster includes Kenneth Faught, Cody Pardy, Chandler Lusty, Nathan Stevens, Jared and Jeremy Martin, Reid Blodgett, Chago Valdez, Peyton Sloan, and Cameron Parham. The Junior High Coyotes will travel to Gustine this Thursday to battle the Tigers at 6:00 PM. Go Coyotes Go !!!!