by Austin Marsman
Martin handily defeated Bellevue, 28-0 Friday night in the first round of the Michigan High School Athletic Association eight-man playoffs to improve its overall season record to 10-0.
For some, it may have felt like déjà vu. The Clippers were hosts to Bellevue in week one and handed the Broncos a 20 -12 loss. Out for revenge, the Bellevue gridders were looking to make big plays. Senior Reece Vanhoose caught a few passes but the Martin defense apparently had improved greatly since week one.
Martin senior quarterback Travis Thorne opened with a touchdown of his own and he was virtually unstoppable the entire night. A failed conversion had the Clippers up 6-0 after one quarter. Junior Mitchell Jager had a long run to the end zone early in the second quarter and Thorne added a conversion. A 14-point lead wasn’t good enough for Thorne, however.
The Clipper defensive line was able to pick up a fumble and Thorne came back out to lead a campaign downfield. With only a few yards to the end zone, Thorne took the ball in and the Clippers were up 22-0 after the conversion.
So Bellevue had to make up a lot of ground. The Broncos made it all the way to Martin’s goal line and a standoff ensued. But the clock and a Bellevue fumble proved favorable for Martin as halftime arrived.
Coming out for the second half, Bellevue was looking to make a move, but Martin was still sailing. A hopeful drive resulted in Thorne taking advantage of a first and goal situation. The five-yard touchdown put Martin up 28- 0 . Most of the fourth quarter was dominated by back and forth midfield as penalties were called. The officials likely needed new flags after this game due to overuse.
Martin coach Brad Blauvelt commented on the abundance of flags, “It’s obviously something we’re going to have to work on.”
Thorne had a remarkable game, scoring three of the four touchdowns, a few conversions, and racking up the offensive yards.
“He was the man tonight, he had quite the game,” said Blauvelt.
COVER PHOTO: Coach Brad Blauvelt chats with his players after their first-round playoff victory over Bellevue Friday night. (Photos courtesy of Austin Marsman)
