by Austin Marsman
What Saugatuck had predicted to be an easy homecoming win over Martin turned out to be more of a battle, at least in the early going.
But the homestanding Indians eventually built a 35-6 lead at intermission and finished with a 49-6 victory over Martin.
The Clippers, coming off a two-game losing streak, were focused and played one of their best matches against Saugatuck in years. Great play execution and a bewildered Saugatuck defense helped the Clippers make significant gains, including a touchdown by sophomore quarterback
Travis Thorne, the first Martin TD against Saugatuck in at least three years.
As usual, the Saugatuck offense found the sweet spot, as junior Bradley Dunn scored three times and Cooper Myers put up a touchdown after running a whopping 73 yards.
The Indians continued their prolific scoring in the second half with brothers Connor and Keegan Carper crossing the goal line. Senior Evan Czarnecki kicked a total seven extra pointsin as many attempts.
The final score, however, was not what counted for the Clippers. A “never-give-up” attitude on the offense and a solid defense led by Austin Pillars, Dugan Dortch, and Rob Martin was impressive against a powerhouse team.
Martin looks ahead to its own homecoming festivities next week with game under the lights Friday against Gobles. The Clippers will carry a 2-4 record, needing to win all three remaining games for a shot at the playoffs.
(PHOTOS courtesy of Austin Marsman)
Actually it has been only the last two seasons in which Martin has been shut out by Saugatuck. In 2014 the Clippers scored 32 points in a 58-32 loss. In 2013 and 2012 Martin lost by identical 62-6 scores.
My mistake, thank you Mr. Gambee.