Sadler has 'devine' performance in Texas

By Dave Krider Nov 27, 2011, 1:17pm

Devine senior runs for 394 yards, seven touchdowns; Sets Texas record with 441 points.

Joseph Sadler truly is "devine" in Texas.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound senior running back, who also plays defense and does the kicking, broke one of the state's oldest and most coveted records on Saturday while leading Devine (Texas) to a 56-42 victory over Wharton (Texas) during the Class 3A Division II regional.

Joseph Sadler, Devine
Joseph Sadler, Devine
Photo courtesy of Devine High School
Sadler ran 41 times for 394 yards and seven touchdowns. His total of 50 points gave him 441 this year, eclipsing the state record of 395 by legendary Ken Hall in 1953. He is just 12 points away from tying the national record of 453 points, set by Brett Law of Sheridan (Ind.) in 1988. Sadler's mark ranks third on the all-time list, according to the National Federation of High Schools Record Book.

Sadler now has rushed for 3,680 yards this year, which ranks third in state history behind Hall's 4,045 yards in 1953 and Rodney Thomas's 3,701 yards for Groveton in 1990.

The Warhorses raised their record to 13-0, the most victories in school history. They advance to play Wimberley in the Region II quarterfinals.