Martino’s heroics push Huntley past Burlington Central

HUNTLEY – Nick Martino wasn’t going to let Huntley lose.

The Huntley defensive back made two big plays led the Red Raiders to a 21-12 win over Burlington Central in Fox Valley Conference action at Red Raider Stadium.

In the second quarter, Martino blocked a punt and recovered it for a 28-yard touchdown.

With Burlington (2-2, 2-2 FVC) poised to score the go-ahead touchdown in the final minute, it was Martino who again came up big. He recovered a fumble at the Raiders’ 2 and raced 98 yards for the winning score with 42 seconds to play.

“I just want to make plays to help us win,” Martino said. “On the fumble, I wrapped up the ball, got a great bounce and saw daylight. This was a huge win for us.”

Huntley coach Matt Zimzolak was thankful the Raiders (2-2, 2-2) had Martino on their side.

“Nick is the reason we won,” ZImolzak said. “He was amazing. He flew to the ball on the blocked punt and was able to pick up the ball and score. On the fumble, he just made a great. It was a big win for us. We have to keep grinding.”

Rockets running back Gavin Sarvis was magnificent after being limited to only punting the previous week with a leg injury.

The senior standout caught a 79-yard touchdown touchdown pass from Shawn Adkerson and later intercepted a pass for a 26-yard touchdown.