Clifton wins playoff game for first time in 12 years by Sean Farrell of The Record
CLIFTON – It was a usual day of work for David Martinez and a special night to remember for Clifton.
The Mustangs put the ball and their playoff hopes in Martinez’s hands and weren’t disappointed.
The workhorse back made it look easy while powering the Mustangs to their first playoff win in 12 years. Martinez ran for 213 yards on 32 carries as his team picked up a 34-8 win over Kennedy in Friday’s North 1, Group 5 first-round game. The senior halfback also reached the endzone twice to set up a semifinal matchup with Ridgewood.
“It means everything,” Martinez said. “We’ve been working since January and the year before and the year before. Everybody put their all into this program. Nobody is above the team and we all believe in each other.”
Quarterback Armani Brinson accounted for two touchdowns, while Devon Swasey and Eddie Maldonado also scored in the victory.
Clifton had lost in each of its last four playoff games before Friday.
What it means
Clifton (7-2) has its most wins in a season since 2010. The Mustangs have suffered through some lean years of late and went 1-9 just four years ago. But their program is back on track and will get a second chance against the Maroons, the same team that eliminated them a year ago.
“It’s a good look for us because you got to beat the best to be the best,” Swasey said. “It starts with the next game, one play at a time.”
Key play
Clifton scored on its first three drives and got a knockout blow on an 11-play drive late in the second quarter. The Mustangs came out in an unbalanced formation with most players positioned wide left. Maldonado found an opening on the right side, and caught a 12-yard pass to put Clifton up 20-8.
By the numbers
► Clifton’s defense has now given up an average of just 17.1 points per game. It has kept two of his last three opponents to single digits.
► Brinson made only two passing attempts, completing both for a total of 21 yards.
► Martinez carried the ball 18 times in the first half alone, often getting used on two or three straight plays.
“When you’re making plays, it’s adrenaline,” Martinez said. “You just want to keep going. I just keep running. I don’t think about it.”
Game ball
There’s no question that Martinez was the star Friday night. Supported by three returning starters on the offensive line, Martinez now has his second straight 1,000-yard season while keeping the ball secure the entire way. Despite a heavy workload, he’s only fumbled once in his varsity career. Coach Ralph Cinque added that Martinez has a 3.0 GPA and 1090 SAT score.
“I can’t describe him in one word,” Cinque said. “He puts his cape out on gamedays and comes out and plays. But he doesn’t just play running back, he plays corner. He’s a shutdown corner.”
They said it
“We’re just a different team. Every week, we practice hard six days a week and get better and better. Coach emphasizes the three E’s — effort, energy and execution. I think we brought that here tonight.” – Martinez