STUART – Despite a lengthy delay at the start,
Arhmad Walker was ready to go.
The Martin County all-everything recorded three turnovers in helping the Tigers open the 2026 season with a 17-14 victory over visiting Treasure Coast in a game delayed 2 hours, 3 minutes by inclement weather Friday, Aug. 21, at Napoli Orthodontics Stadium.
A 5-foot-8, 145-pound sophomore, Walker came up with an interception on the Titans’ first play of the game and recovered a pair of fumbles, one on special teams and one on defense.
“I just see the ball and run full speed,” Walker said. “I want to get every tackle. I chase that ball. I go get it. I go get it. That’s all.”
Walker’s interception came after the Tigers’ turned the ball over on their third play from scrimmage as both teams had trouble getting going on this steamy, humid evening.
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His fumble recovery came after Martin County opened the scoring late in the first quarter on a pass from Kellen Cockrell to Leon Lily.
The recovery of a muffed kickoff led to a 28-yard field goal by Christian Jackson early in the second quarter to give the Tigers an 11-0 lead.
Walker also recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter to stop a Treasure Coast drive in Tigers’ territory.
“For right now, yes,” Walker said on if this was his finest game. “Many more to come.”
The Martin County defense stopped Treasure Coast on its final five drives of the game, forcing three punts and getting a turnover on downs on a stop by Joseph Brown, along with Walker’s third takeaway.
Walker really got excited when asked about the Tigers’ defensive effort.
“Defense, we played an absolute ball game,” he said. “110%. We held them to the spot. We got turnovers.”
Martin County coach Rod Harris had glowing remarks when speaking of Walker.
“He’s an outstanding football player for us,” Harris said. “Playing both sides of the ball, a returner. He’s a great young man. I’m happy he’s a Tiger.
“He breaks on the ball great. Great eyes. Great vision. He’s an outstanding corner and running back for us.”
Nigel Dowers also recovered a fumble for Martin County in the first half on a muffed punt by the Titans.
It was Martin County’s second win in eight games against Treasure Coast with the previous victory coming in 2016. The Tigers finished 8-3 last year and captured the Class 5A-District 13 title.
It also was the Tigers’ first Opening Night triumph since 2022, a 35-7 verdict over Bartow.
“If we minimize the dumb things and we play with the same effort we did today, we can take it pretty far than what people expect us to,” Walker said. “We were ready to ball tonight.”
Treasure Coast takeaways
1. Everything was a struggle for the Titans, especially early. They got on the board midway in the second quarter on a 9-yard scoring run by Xavier Williams’ first carry of the game. Treasure Coast’s second score came via special teams. Jasir Broomfield blocked a punt and Williams picked up the loose ball and rambled 44 yards late in the third quarter.
2. Otherwise, the Titans’ drives were marred by penalties of all kinds and of course the four turnovers. QB Easton Keene didn’t complete his first pass until the third quarter. Treasure Coast accumulated 38 yards in the first half and 108 for the game. Bloomfield recorded an early pick for the Titans.
3. Looking for its first victory since Oct. 18, 2024, a 36-14 decision over St. Lucie West Centennial, Treasure Coast makes another trip to Martin County on Thursday, Aug. 27 to visit Jensen Beach High at 6 p.m.
Martin County takeaways
1. The Tigers’ offense didn’t sparkle, but they came through when the team needed in the fourth quarter. Taking over at its own 25-yard line, Martin County ran out the clock with five straight runs, including the first two for 14 and 12 yards by sophomore RB Andre Mackey, who finished with 83 yards on 14 carries. Senior QB Manny Louis scored the final touchdown on a 5-yard run and completed 6-of-14 passes. “Offense moved the ball in spurts,” Harris said. “Too many drop balls. Too many penalties put us behind the sticks all night long. They did what they had to do when we needed it. I expect a lot more from them.”
2. Harris blamed his team’s sloppiness on the fact Martin County hasn’t had consistency in practice because of inclement weather. “Expect the unexpected, especially early in the season,” he said. “We’re way behind practicing reps. The effort was outstanding. We came through a lot of adversity tonight and got a win.”
3. The Tigers play the second of three straight home games to open the regular season at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28 against Santaluces.
“Looking forward to this week in practice and cleaning up a lot,” Harris said. “The holding calls, the unnecessary roughness. We’ve got to clean up the false starts. Everything that shows we haven’t practiced a lot. It was a win. Effort was awesome. We have to clean up everything.”
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Arhmad Walker shines, Martin County football stifles Treasure Coast
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Reporting by Dennis Maffezzoli, Special to TC Palm / Treasure Coast Newspapers
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By Dennis Maffezzoli, Special to TC Palm | USA TODAY Network
