Photo Credit: Aleshia Blauvelt, Martin Clipper Football Facebook Page

The Martin Clippers took on the Red Arrow Raiders, a co-op program between New Buffalo and Three Oaks River Valley, on Friday evening. With a 55-0 shutout, the Clippers secured an undefeated regular season for the second time in three years. The only loss in the regular season since 2019 was a COVID forfeit, meaning that the Clippers haven’t lost on the field in the regular season since 2018.

JR Hildebrand continued his exceptional season rushing for 338 yards on just six carries, 4 runs resulting in touchdowns. JR is now the school record holder for most rushing yards in a single game passing Defensive Coordinator Keith Snyder’s record of 296 yards in 2003. JR also threw a touchdown to Sophomore speedster Taegan Harris.

Charlie Martin, Braeden Shanley and Bryce Robinson also added touchdown rushes. As a team Martin broke the record for most points scored in a season with 431. The offense rushed for 430 total yards.

Karter Ribble led the defense who pitched their fifth shutout of the season. Ribble led the team with 8 tackles and 2 interceptions. He also played well on special teams adding 6 extra point kicks. Bryce Robinson added 6 tackles, and his brother Jackson Robinson added 5. Tanner Bird also added 5 tackles.

Head Coach Brad Blauvelt was once again happy with this team’s efforts. “I’m proud of our kids, we’ve had a tremendous regular season. This is our third straight season without losing a regular season game when an actual game was played. Tonight we played better on the offensive line, we have to continue to improve there if we want to make a deep run. The kids are ready for playoffs, they are excited to see who we get first round on Sunday and what are path looks like. This is what we’ve been wait for all season and we plan on making the most of it.”

Martin will learn their playoff opponent on Sunday, and the Clippers look to make a playoff run once again. In 2020, Martin reached the semifinals before falling to eventual State Champion Adrian Lenawee Christian.