TJ Stanford replaces local legend Ernie Martinez as head coach for 29 Palms football

Ernie Martinez was the head coach for 29 Palms football for 25 seasons.

He won 155 games, 9 league titles and made the playoffs 19 times. He also had 19 wins over rival Yucca Valley.

A local legend on the high desert and in the valley, he is retiring after 34 years at TPHS as a coach and teacher.

His replacement is a Wildcat, TJ Stanford.

"I grew up in 29 Palms. I started as the ball boy with Wildcat football, then moved on to being the filmer in junior high," said Stanford.

Stanford then went on to play football at TPHS. He has also served as athletic director and head basketball coach prior to taking this position as head football coach.

"As a lifelong Wildcat, I'm excited to carry on the tradition of Wildcat football and continue to build on the success that has been laid down from coach Ernie Martinez," said Stanford.

Stay with KESQ Sports for the latest on all the high school football teams in our valley.