Not even a virus could stop Stockdale running back D.J. Martin on Friday evening. As a matter of fact the only person who could stop him was his coach and that was by taking him out of the game.
The junior running back scorched the East Blades to the tune of 405 yards on 13 carries and five touchdowns in the season opener for both teams. Martin broke the school rushing record early in the third quarter on a 26-yard run, and was immediately taken out of the game in the Mustangs' 60-16 rout during both teams' first game of the season.
"I have to give all the credit to my offensive line," Martin said. "We ran the same play over and over, and it was clicking."
East head coach Dave Thorp, who is in his first season with the team, echoed Martin's sentiment: "We had no defensive (for the trap). That kid is special."
East held its own with Stockdale, using short passes and inside running to keep the game close for the first quarter, but trailed 13-3. The second quarter was all Martin as he scored on runs of 61, 31 and 80 yards. His first run of the third quarter was another 80-yarder. His last four touchdowns were on four carries totaling 252 yards.
"I was just trying to get after it, and do everything I can to help the team," Martin said. "I can't lie; it feels good (to break the record), and I'm blessed with talent God gave me."
Stockdale coach Mike Snow said of Martin: "Yeah, he's pretty good. What's amazing is that he's been sick for the past three days and we didn't know if he would be ready.
But you also have to give credit to the six or seven guys who blew holes open for him."
The Stockdale offensive line not only blew holes open for Martin, but for the entire Mustang team, as it had 595 yards rushing.
