Brother Rice's Martez Walker Cements His Place in Crusader Football History

Brother Rice has a long and storied football tradition that includes at least two NFL players. The school also has sent a long list of Crusaders into the NCAA Division I ranks over the years. The list all-timers now includes the name of Martez Walker.

Walker has cemented his place in the Crusaders history books with three touchdowns in Brother Rice's 35-14 victory over Sandburg in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs on Friday night. He boosted his season TD total to 19 and his point total to 118. Both are single-season school records. In four years of varsity football, Walker has scored 42 touchdowns and more than 200 points.

On Friday night, he proved just how explosive he could be. He had 16 carries for 183 yards, an average just over 11 yards a carry. Walker shared the limelight with Andrew Walker (no relation), who ran for 147 yards. Together, the two accounted for 330 of Brother Rice's 333 yards total offense.

Martez Walker doubles as a defensive back for the Crusaders. He was quick to dish out the credit for his record-breaking performance.

"I want to thank the O-line, first of all," he said. "We just have to run hard. Every time you run hard, something good happens. Getting off to a good start will help us out. We just have to play each game quarter-by-quarter and hope for the big plays" 

Walker is headed to Central Michigan University next year. Brother Rice is headed to Round 2 of the playoffs next weekend. The Crusaiders (7-3) next will face Downers Grove South.

The Mustangs advanced with a 37-24 victory over Naperville North.

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