The Martin Clippers took their undefeated record into a showdown with Blanchard Montabella, another undefeated bunch. Contrary to their usual offensive attack, a balanced scheme led the Clippers to a convincing victory, 48-6.
Sam Jager, a junior, had the game of his career for Martin. After losing his first two seasons to knee injuries, he made an impact on Friday night. Jager hauled in six passes as the Clippers’ tight end, racking up 168 yards and two touchdowns. He also carried the football for a 1-yard touchdown. Defensively, Jager led the team with 8 tackles as a safety.
“I’m very happy for Sam, he has been through a lot of adversity the last couple years,” Martin Head Coach Brad Blauvelt stated after his team’s victory. “He’s a kid everyone pulls for, and I’m glad he is seeing some results because he has absolutely worked his butt off to get back on the field. Sam gave tremendous effort on Friday night for all 4 quarters, and as a coach I can’t ask for much more.”
JR Hildebrand continued to excel on both sides of the football. He passed more frequently than any other game thus far, and he was efficient. Hildebrand finished 10/18 for 208 yards and a touchdown. He also succeeded in carrying the football, turning six carries into 84 yards and three scores. On defense, Hildebrand added 5.5 tackles.
Karter Ribble and Braeden Shanley toted the football with great success, as the duo had 160 of the 261 team rushing yards. Each player contributed to the scoring column as well. Ribble threw a touchdown to Sam Jager, and Shanley used his legs for a score.
Jackson Robinson contributed on the defensive end as well, with 7.5 tackles, his third straight week with at least seven tackles. The Martin defense continues to be stellar, allowing just 18 points in four games. When accounting for the 226 points the offense has accumulated this season, it’s no wonder that the Clippers are 4-0, and a viable State Championship contender.
Coach Brad Blauvelt was happy with his team’s play on the road Friday. “This was a big win for us on the road against another undefeated team. We were well prepared, and it showed. Multiple players made major contributions to the win, and I’m proud of our team and our effort. We will focus on getting in better shape and getting healthy over the next two weeks. We want to be at full strength going into the Mendon game in a few weeks (October 8).
Martin will square off against Bloomingdale next week. Blanchard Montabella (3-1) will look to rejoin the win column against Mendon.
