By ANDREW GOODMAN

Herald Football Writer

Doubting Joe Martinek is never a smart idea.

In 2005, he ran for 2,508 yards and scored 28 touchdowns.

More importantly, he led Hopatcong to the North I, Group II state title.

The problem he faces this year is the Chiefs lost four starting offensive linemen. As a result, the holes may be reduced in size and number, and logic says his yardage should drop as well.

Hopatcong also will have a new quarterback in Nick DelCorpo to replace the graduated Ian Evans.

The Chiefs didn't throw much to begin with, and now the pass may even be less of a threat.

But the challenge of running behind a new offensive line and having a new signal-caller may give Martinek motivation to have an even better season.

And let's be clear: Martinek's campaign will be the best of any running back in the Sussex County Interscholastic League.

Zach Rey and Steve Hynson combine with Matt Imroth — the lone returning starter on the offensive line — to form a group that will be at least average and possibly great.

Couple that with Martinek's speed and strength, and his line won't matter much. He can burn a defender in the open field as easily as he can break a tackle.

Martinek will be the player opposing defenses key on, but it won't limit his numbers. He was somewhat contained in last year's state title game, but still eclipsed 100 yards rushing.

His football career is full of unprecedented achievements. He had the rare opportunity to get regular carries as a freshman. Martinek made the most of it, running for over 1,000 yards that season.

His 5,545 career yards are already the most in SCIL history. With that mark out of the way, Martinek has his eyes on the state record of 6,720.

The pressure of setting the record won't weigh on Martinek, since he knows he'll top it — it's just a matter of time. But he also knows the sooner he gets it out of the way, he can begin to focus on his team goal, which is to repeat as state champion.

Accumulating early yardage shouldn't be a problem for Martinek.

After the season opener against Pope John, Hopatcong plays Newton, High Point and Jefferson in succession. Martinek will make those defenses — like many others — look like swiss cheese and there could be some 200- or 300-yard performances. Martinek may not play the entire second half, but by that time the damage will have been done.

The early schedule will give Martinek a jump on the SCIL's other elite back, Pope John's Jeremy Tucker. After playing Hopatcong, Pope John faces three top teams — Sparta, Lenape Valley and Vernon — in the next four weeks.

Martinek can also relax, and focus on his last season in high school. He already verbally committed to Rutgers, and achieved one of his goals of earning an athletic scholarship. He doesn't have to prove anything this year — he did that his first three seasons.

Tucker can't say the same.

His junior season should have garnered more interest, but it didn't. Every carry will be pressure-packed, since his future may depend on it.

The touchdown disparity was nine last year, but look for Martinek to come closer to Tucker this year. There were times last season when Hopatcong utilized Joe Anthes in goal-line situations, but Anthes graduated.

Martinek also will have a major advantage in the postseason. He'll be playing good teams in the North I, Group II playoffs, but they're not in the same class as the squads Tucker will face. He'll see some of the best teams in New Jersey.

Against the opponents Hopatcong might see early the playoffs, Martinek can run wild. He rushed for 376 yards in the first round last year against Indian Hills.

The teams Pope John will face in the playoffs could curtail Tucker's production and even knock the Lions off. Besides, Pope John will have to play St. Joe's (Montvale) at some point, the seven-time defending state champs.

So the Chiefs may have extra games for Martinek to produce more.

And one last thing: If Hopatcong advances to the state final, Martinek's last high school game could be his best ever.

The reason? The location of the contest may be at the same place where Martinek will play his first college home game — Rutgers Stadium.

Andrew Goodman is the Herald's high school football writer. He can be reached at (973) 383-1500 ext. 247 or at agoodman@njherald.com.