by Austin Marsman
Martin dropped to an even 3-3 record on Friday after losing 59-36 in a football contest against Saugatuck.
In pregame hype, the Indians were the obvious favorite for many observers — after all, Martin hasn’t beat Saugatuck since their meeting in 2007, when the Clippers squeaked by 18-15.
The 2018 meeting began with a first quarter that showed Saugatuck on top 17-6.
Saugatuck star Bradley Dunn, younger brother of Blake, opened the second with an 82-yard touchdown. Martin trailed 24-14. Dunn found the end zone two more times to increase the lead to 38-14. Martin wouldn’t answer, leaving a 24-point defecit at the half.
A chilly second half included many opportunities for scoring. The Clippers closed in, down 10 points, or 38-28. Martin was in a good position, but Saugatuck regained control, reaching the end zone two more times and ending the conquest at 59-36.
Despite a great offensive performance, Saugatuck was challenged when it came to defense. Led by Carter Hilton with quarterbacks Gabe Meyers and Travis Thorne, the Clippers totaled five touchdown drives, the best performance against Saugatuck in years.
The Clippers’ effort was the closest to winning since 2014, when they lost 58-32. Every game, besides that was a shutout by the Indians.
Martin dropped to 0-2 in the SAC and 3-3 overall, anticipating a trip to play Galesburg Augusta next week.
