In driving rain, it helps to have a workhorse running back who can take the pressure off a quarterback. Not having to deal with obvious passing situations helps out the offense and short passes are more effective. Grant Martin provided that relief for Harrah (Okla.) last Friday, rushing the ball 36 times. The tireless running back ran for 424 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-28 victory over Bristow (Okla.).
“I knew going into that game it was going to be ground-and-pound,” Martin told the Oklahoman. “It was a good night. I had a lot of great blocking in front of me from linemen and receivers. Everything worked out, and we had another great night.”
Having already locked up a playoff berth, Martin and Harrah are having a special season, looking for their first playoff win in 21 years.
For his efforts, Martin leads the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Performances of the Week.
Additional top performances from around the nation:
Alphonso Stephens, football, Howard (Ga.).
Stephens was a force as he caught 14 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-27 win over Veterans (Kathleen, Ga.). The WR has been consistent all season, recording 1,102 receiving yards and 11 touchdown.
Sophia Carrera-Justiz, girls volleyball, Ransom Everglades (Florida).
Carrera-Justiz helped lead the Raiders to a win over Westminster Christian in a Region 4-4A semifinal. She finished with 14 kills and 12 digs.
Tabitha Weber, girls cross country, Marshfield (Missouri).
Weber won a district championship at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar. Weber ran the 5k course in 19:24 and the junior is a contender at this weekend’s state championships in Jefferson City.
Cole Murphy, football, Liberty (South Carolina).
A three touchdown night would be a successful night for any offensive skill player. For a defender, it’s remarkable. Murphy scored on a 10-yard interception return, a 90-yard fumble return and a 57-yard kickoff return in the Red Devils’ 37-12 win over Carolina.
Valerie Valencia, girls tennis, Bonita Vista (California).
Valencia won all of her playoff matches, 6-3, 6-0, 6-0. The performance helped lead Bonita Vista to a section Division 3 State Championship, the school’s first title in 23 years.
Jordan Bentley, football, Guntersville (Alabama).
Bentley ran for 225 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-0 win over Albertsville. The running back also helped out on defense as well, picking off a pass to preserve the shutout.
Annabelle Hall, girl’s soccer, White River (Washington).
Hall was dynamic against Franklin Pierce, scoring three goals and adding an assist. She was clutch in the playoffs as a whole, scoring two more goals later in the week as White River won the SPSL 2A title.
Amani Hooker, football, Park Center (Minneapolis).
The senior playmaker hauled in six catches for 185 yards and three touchdowns. He was useful on the ground as well, running two times for 40 yards and two more touchdowns. Park Center defeated Cooper 48-37.
Hayden Gorall, boy’s soccer, Center Grove (Indiana).
Gorall was the decisive playmaker in the Indiana State Championship on Oct. 31, scoring the winning goal in the first six minutes of the game. He helped his teammates out even more later on, assisting on two goals. Center Grove beat Harrison 4-0.
Caroline Meyers, girls cross country, O’Hara (Missouri).
Meyers posted the best time in a 54 runner field to win the Missouri Class 3, District 7 meet on Halloween. Meyers posted a time of 19 minutes, 44.48 seconds, qualifying for the state meet in Jefferson City. Meyers will look to improve on her placement last season, where she finished 11th.