It was a strange game, but Martin nonetheless defeated Mendon 41-22 for the second time this season to claim the regional championship and advance in the eight-man post-season playoffs.
The Clippers’ defensive unit came up big in the first half and led 14-0 and then the offensive fireworks broke loose in a wild and crazy finish. They widened their lead to 21-0, then Mendon retaliated at 21-8, Martin responded at 28-8 and then it was 35-16 as the fourth quarter began.
Both teams scored six points the rest of the way and when the smoke cleared the Clippers had improved their season record overall to 11-0. They had beaten Mendon 28-20 in their most contested victory last month.
The Hornets, who finished at 8-3, had to be astonished to be shut out over two quarters. They averaged 43 points per game over the season and had put up 118 points on the board in their previous two outings.
The game was played on Delton’s artificial turf field.
Now comes the biggest challenge of the season, yet an opportunity for sweet revenge. The Clippers next will face defending state champion Lenawee Christian, undefeated again this year. The Cougars got the best of Martin last January in the state semifinals and went on to claim the state crown. The game again will take place in Adrian.
