Brother Rice backfield carries the load

Updated: August 27, 2011 6:40PM

They have a lot more in common than just a name. “We’re a dynamic duo,” Martez Walker said.

Brother Rice senior running back Martez Walker and his backfield mate Andrew Walker gashed Orr’s defense for two rushing touchdowns apiece as the visiting Crusaders parlayed a dominant ground attack in their 41-6 win Saturday.

Andrew Walker (nine carries, 78 yards) scored on first half runs of 13 and 15 yards to catapult Brother Rice (1-0) to a 21-6 lead at the break. The five-play, 60-yard opening possession was aided by Martez Walker’s 21-yard swing pass from quarterback Pat Parrilli on the first play from scrimmage.

Andrew Walker did most of his damage in the first half, accounting for 71 yards on seven carries and the two scores. Yet, the running backs, who are not related, both said the team was sluggish at the start.

“We just had to get the jitters out and get focused,” Andrew Walker said.

Martez Walker (14 carries, 82 yards) punched the lead to 14-0 with a 7-yard burst. Andrew Walker’s 15-yard touchdown dash moved the Crusaders’ advantage to 21-0 with just over eight minutes to play in the second quarter.

Kevin Salmon was the Crusaders’ defensive catalyst. The senior linebacker registered three turnovers, including two fumble recoveries. The first set up Martez Walker’s first score.

On Orr’s opening possession of the second half, Salmon intercepted Spartans’ senior quarterback Jamal McDowell. On the ensuing play, Martez Walker broke off a 24-yard touchdown run.

“We can’t do anything without the offensive line,” Martez Walker said. “We got into a nice rhythm and just did what we’re supposed to do.”

Salmon’s final forced turnover, off an errant snap with Orr in punt formation, led to the Crusaders’ fifth touchdown, a 1-yard dive by senior fullback Rich Mayer (nine carries, 58 yards). Senior Michael Mitchell added a 3-yard run, capping an 18-play, 99-yard drive after a Brother Rice goal line stand.

Eight different Crusaders massed positive rushing totals.

McDowell, who posted 122 yards total offense (48 rushing, 74 passing) scored on a five-yard run in the second quarter for the Spartans (0-1).

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