Cherokee quarterback makes the most of his chances

Andy Martin attempted five passes.

No big deal.

He completed three.

No big deal.

All three went for touchdowns.

Very big deal.

"We don't pass that much, so we try to make sure all our passes are worth it," Martin said after helping Cherokee to a 33-6 victory over Oakcrest on Saturday in the South Jersey Group 4 championship game.

Cherokee is run-oriented, so Martin doesn't get as many passing opportunities as most other quarterbacks.

But he has made the most of his chances. He passed for 1,423 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.

The title game was a great example. Martin was 3 for 5 for 77 yards and the three scores: 25 yards to Drake Rodgers, 26 yards to Mike Zeuli, and 26 yards to Kevin Byrne.

All three were play-action pass plays in which Martin faked a handoff, rolled right, and threw back to his left.

"Andy is the perfect quarterback for us," Cherokee coach P.J. Mehigan said. "We don't throw much, but when we do, he makes them pay off."

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Martin was emotional after his last game. He finished his career as one of the top passers in the history of the program.

He also was 23-1 in two seasons as a starter, with two South Jersey Group 4 titles.

Martin said he wasn't sure of his college destination. But he said he would never forget his time at Cherokee, especially his final season for the Chiefs.

"This is the most fun I ever had in my life," Martin said.