Walpole senior running back Ryan Izzo scored just one touchdown and kicked just two extra points Sunday during a 35-14 loss to Natick, but it was enough to give him Massachusetts career records with 686 points and 96 touchdowns. 
Ryan Izzo, Walpole
Photo courtesy of Christine Izzo
The previous records — both held by Nathan Sherr of Austin Prep (2003-06) — were 682 points and 95 touchdowns. He also finished No. 2 in career rushing yardage (5,895). The record is 6,688, set in 1995. In addition, he has gone 101-of-117 in extra points and 3-of-4 in field goals.
The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Izzo said the records "feel great. It’s a terrific honor. It’s been a great time in my life. Coming today (first loss in 10 games), I can’t really give a full answer. Going back to my sophomore year, our offensive line has done a terrific job of downfield blocking."
Izzo said he would trade his records in a moment for a victory against the undefeated Natick powerhouse. He conceded there was "some pressure" late in the season as he approached the records. "You’d see it in the papers and it was on the school announcements," he noted. "I’m glad I got it over finally."
Walpole coach Barry Greener is one of Izzo’s greatest fans.
"As far as a guy who puts stats on the board, he’s been the most productive player in Walpole history and he’s small," Greener said. "That’s what is so amazing.
"He’s our captain and a great leader. He could care less about his statistics. He’s absolutely fearless and tough as nails. When he’s caged in, he attacks the tacklers. He never runs out of bounds. His vision is like I’ve never seen before. He’s durable. He takes a pounding, but he dishes it out. He plays cornerback and returns punts. He’s a great punter and a phenomenal place-kicker."
Izzo believed he had a future in college football until he had a superb junior year in lacrosse, helping the Rebels to a 24-1 record and a Division II state title. Now the talented midfielder hopes to make lacrosse his sport of the future. However, his football career isn’t quite yet complete. He can add to his legend when the Rebels take on Weymouth in their traditional Thanksgiving Day finale.
Martindale tops in Tennessee
Jackson University School senior wide receiver Austin Martindale caught eight passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns during a 40-19 victory over First Assembly Christian, giving him a Tennessee-record 24 touchdown catches this year. The record of 22 was held by Damien Dodson of Westwood.
In 11 games, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound receiver has made 56 catches for 1,218 yards and a 21.75 average.
Martindale, who has placed high in the Class AAA state 400-meter race as a sophomore and junior, "has really outstanding hands," according to coach Mickey Marley. "He is a student of coverages and has the ability to separate himself speed-wise. He’s really explosive. He’s the best receiver I’ve had here (in 24 years)."
Marley also is very high on quarterback Jake Overbey, a 6-1, 180-pound junior who is threatening some state passing records. This year he has completed 159-of-252 passes for 2,609 yards and 43 touchdowns, with just three interceptions. In his career, he has passed for 5,699 yards and 72 touchdowns. He also has rushed for 12 touchdowns.
