“Jersey” Joe To Play In IFL Super Bowl

DoubleGSports recently talked about former Rutgers quarterback Chas Dodd’s success in the Italian Football League, where the signal caller earned Player of the Season (MVP) honors.

Another ex-Scarlet Knight, and fan favorite, Joe Martinek signed with the Parma Panthers of the IFL in May.

RB Joe Martinek #99 – IFL

While Dodd earned the recognition and MVP honors, his Lazio Marines’ lost in the quarterfinals to the Miliano Rhinos. Martinek helped lead the Panthers at running back/fullback to the IFL Super Bowl on July 4 against the Milano Seamen with a 10-2 record.

On the season, “Jersey” Joe has rushed 91 times for 533 yards and eight touchdowns. The versatile back caught three passes for 51 yards. In the quarterfinals match up against the Bologna Warriors, the Hopatcong, N.J. native had 15 rushes for 94 yards and a score. In the semifinals versus the Bolzano Giants, Martinek carried the pigskin 21 times for 66 yards and a touchdown, to lead the team to a 14-7 victory.

As a Scarlet Knight, the 6’0″, 220-pounder had 391 career rushing attempts for 1,770 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also grabbed 46 catches for 448 yards and a score. The running back remains the state’s all-time career high school rushing leader with 7,589 yards on the ground.

Check back at DoubleGSports.com after the conclusion of the Italian Football League Super Bowl to see if Martinek and the Panthers prevailed or faltered.

Below you may find highlights of the Panthers victory over the Giants in the Semi’s:

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlCknn3lxe0