Legend in the Making: Lompoc head coach Andrew Jones

Posted: Nov 21, 2012 4:10 PM by Bill Halter (ATM)
Updated: Nov 22, 2012 10:19 AM

Legend in the Making: Lompoc coach Andrew Jones

Lompoc High football coach Andrew Jones is a couple wins away from his third CIF championship in his third season in charge of the Braves. Jones also led lompoc to a championship as a quarterback in 2002. The 28 year old's success as a player and coach for the Braves makes him the latest KSBY Sports Legend in the Making.

Andrew Jones took over a Lompoc program transitioning back into the Los Padres League after four dismal seasons in the PAC 7. Jones has turned has alma mater not only into the best LPL team, but the best team on the Central Coast and maybe one of the best in the state.

"I think the biggest key for me is I grew up here. I know what it takes to come through the program but really just the way I was brought up, work hard, nothing's handed to you. If you want something really bad you have to work for it," said Jones.

He focuses his team on going 1-0 each week, which is something the Braves have done 32 straight times. The state's longest winning streak is a testament to the coaching staff's ability to keep the players motivated. But it's not something they use as motivation. "After it's all said and done we'll go back and we'll reflect on it. But right now as a group, as a coaching staff, we don't really talk about it. We really don't. We're focused on the next opponent," said Jones.

The players say they go into each game with confidence because of how well the coaches have prepared them. "Coach Jones puts a lot of time in this program. He watches film constantly, his whole life revolves around football, his family and teaching," said senior running back Taylor Cornejo.

"That guy lives, breathes, sleeps, eats football. Not only as a coach, but even when he was a player in his heyday. He's all about this whole team, he's all about this whole team and making it big," added senior lineman Josh Powers.

Football is once again king in Lompoc and kids are growing up wanting to play for coach Jones. "When it's all said and done if I'm here 30 years, I just want the kids that leave here, hopefully they learning something about work ethic, dedication, being accountable to your teammates," said Jones.

Lompoc has its toughest test of the season on Friday when Serra comes to town. Kickoff is at 7pm at Lompoc High.

Ranked #13 in the state by MaxPreps, the Cavaliers have been even more dominant in the playoffs than the Braves. Serra is 10-2 overall this season and won 58-6 last week at Santa Monica. The Cavaliers lost in the first round in 2011, but won CIF division titles in 2009 and 2010 and a State title in 2009.

Lompoc enters 12-0 and coming off a 49-6 win at Culver City.