Martins powers Medford High football to win over Lynn Classical

MEDFORD – Guilherme Martins got the Mustangs offense back at full gallop Thursday night at Hormel Stadium.

The speedy senior running back rushed for a game-high 162 yards on 12 carries, scoring a pair of pivotal fourth quarter touchdowns, as Medford defeated Lynn Classical, 20-0.

It was a nice bounce back win for the Mustangs (1-1) after enduring a bumpy 34-7 road loss to Everett less than two weeks earlier.

“It obviously feels really good for the program,” said Medford coach John Curley, whose team was coming off a bye week. “This is the first time we beat Lynn Classical in our history. As far as home openers go, it was a battle. The first half was a battle in itself. Each team had a chance to score, but the willingness of our team to keep on going just shows what they’re all about.”

Locked in a scoreless stalemate, both teams were looking for a spark.

Martins answered the call. The senior energized Medford’s stagnant offensive attack with several short gains in the waning moments of the third quarter. He kicked things into overdrive during a furious fourth. The running back cut through the Lynn Classical defense on a 33-yard end zone scamper just a minute into the stanza, giving Medford the 6-0 lead.

“It was a 38 toss,” said Martins. “I found the hole and just took it. I ran straight into the end zone.”

Meanwhile, Medford hung tough defensively making four fumble recoveries. None came bigger than when senior defensive lineman Ernstno Orphe dislodged the pigskin from Gianni McKay’s clutches on Lynn Classical’s next possession.

Martins took full advantage of the turnover just three snaps later, rolling seven yards for his second touchdown of the game, giving Medford the 12-0 edge.

The Mustangs put the game away a little later. Senior quarterback Travers Moodie hooked up with freshman Ronald David on a six-yard TD pass padding the 18-0 cushion with 2:08 remaining.  Martins marched in on the subsequent two-point conversion run moments later to seal the victory.

According to Curley, Medford made its mark from the outside in.

“We saw that outside zone was open,” said Curley.  “They just couldn’t handle our speed on the outside. Demi Georges did a really good job staying on the block. Gui caught the edge and took it from there. When we had the outside it worked to our advantage.”

Lynn Classical was unable to get on track, fanning on its opening kickoff attempt putting Medford in prime position at the 40 to start the game. Although the Mustangs were unable to cash in on the initial misstep, they still kept the Rams at arms length for the remainder of the contest.

Junior Jayden Burns forced a fumble jarring the pigskin free from David Novoa, setting the right tone.

“Overall, it was a great effort,” said Curley. “I just love the way they keep on fighting. That’s hard to do in any sport, but to fight for four quarters in your hometown is a great feeling.”

Martins agreed.

“We definitely had a bad first half,” said Martins. “But thanks to our offensive line, our whole team made up for it. I’m proud of our team. Proud of our players. We kept working and handled our business.”