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Jayden Martins made a big impact on Milford football as a senior

Jayden Martins made a big impact on Milford football as a senior

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MILFORD — Jayden Martins waited patiently with the Attleboro offensive lineman. The Milford High football team practiced screen passes all week and instilled the need for patience in their defensive line. As the Bombardiers’ quarterback stretched his arm back to pass, Martins slammed his 6-foot-1, 330-pound body into the lane and leapt high for the interception.

He carried two tacklers to the Attleboro 9-yard line and gave the Scarlet Hawks a second score on a game-winning touchdown in a 14-7 loss on Friday.

“It’s a dream come true to intercept a ball as a lineman,” Martins said. “I’ve been hoping for this my whole life and it finally happened.”

The play put an exclamation point on the best game Martins has played for the Scarlet Hawks so far this year, meaning it was the best game of his varsity career up to that point. Martins started playing football at a young age but dropped out of the program as a freshman.

“I never really thought about coming back,” he said.

He focused on the lacrosse field, where he is an outstanding attacker with quick feet and a powerful shot. But many of his friends played football and tried to lure him and his size back into the squad.

“It took years to get him to play. He played with me my freshman year and then disappeared for a little while,” said Sam Rosenburg, a classmate from Milford. “I brought him back in and he’s been a big part of our program.”

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The team’s culture and environment attracted him. The Scarlet Hawks have played in the state semifinals each of the last three years.

“I really love the area, so I thought, ‘Why not for my senior year?’” Martins said. “I’ve really liked it so far. I love everyone on this team. They are all my family. I haven’t had as much contact with people as I used to, but now I’m starting to get better overall.”

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Milford could use a shock after losing three of its last four games. Martins could provide a spark if the way his team celebrated after his interception is any indication.

“Jayden is a very agile boy. We all know he can do it,” Rosenburg said. “There’s a lot more for Jayden. Jayden is just getting started.”

Contact Kyle Grabowski at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @kylegrbwsk.