Walker's numbers at halftime were straight out of a video game. Two rushes, 128 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His lone punt return went 72 yards for a touchdown as well.
Whatever works. Judge has, at times, struggled to put points up this season. Walker, normally a receiver, has been double-covered and his effectiveness has waned.
Don't look now, but Judge is on a roll, with four straight wins. Judge coach James Cordova likes what he sees out of Walker, but he's happiest about the fervor he sees on the field.
"The thing is, it's great to see the excitement from our players throughout the game," Cordova said. "There was so much hype and noise going into the season that, when we lost, we were playing from a place of deficit and not utilizing all our skills."
Judge's skills were multifaceted Saturday, especially on defense. Five different Bulldogs intercepted Hawks quarterback Taylor Ricks as Judge's defense was suffocating.
Judge Memorial allowed no points in the first half while Walker and Co. were busy racking up 35 points. At halftime, Ricks was 6-for-20 with three interceptions.
Awaiting Judge in the quarterfinals is Hurricane, arguably the only good Class 3A team the Bulldogs didn't play in the regular season.
"We played Juan Diego and Logan, and after them, the next one is Hurricane," Cordova said.
Whether the Bulldogs are in the top three 3A teams will be determined next Friday.
jpatrick@sltrib.com
