From The Sun's Stefen Lovelace:

When top-ranked River Hill takes the field this weekend at M&T Bank Stadium for the 2A state title against No. 6 Eastern Tech, it’s uncertain whether one of the Hawks' best players will be on the field.

Linebacker Zach Martin, the anchor of the Hawks' defense, was hurt in the team’s semifinal against Elkton, when a defensive lineman rolled on his leg while he was blocking, hurting his ankle and taking him out of the game.

Martin saw a doctor Monday. The good news? The ankle isn't broken. The bad? It’s severely sprained, and it’s looking as if Martin will be a game-time decision.

"It’s a severely sprained ankle and sometimes people can come back," River Hill coach Brian Van Deusen said. "We’ll see how the swelling goes and how much weight he can put on it. We’re just going to have him take it easy the whole week, but it’s still up in the air if he’ll be able to fully go for Saturday."

Eastern Tech comes into Saturday’s game with a three-headed monster at tailback, with Thomas Edwards, Derryck Davis and Darian Conners all getting touches, meaning the absence of the run-stopping Martin could prove detrimental to the Hawks' chances of a championship.
If Martin is unable to go, junior backup linebacker Patrick McCleaf will take his place. McCleaf played in place of Martin against Elkton.

For Martin, a senior, this is his last chance to get a state championship.

"Zach’s an extreme rely tough kid. If he can walk on it, he’ll try to play," Van Deusen said. "We’ll give you more updates on Martin’s condition later in the week."