The third-year, three-way star did it again to Sierra.
Last Friday at Guss Schmiedt, he scored five touchdowns in the Buffaloes’ 74-7 destruction of their cross-town rival, but three of those scoring plays came on special teams.
He had similar highlights last year when Manteca blew past Sierra 60-21, thanks in large part to Martinez’s first-half explosion that included four touchdowns on six touches — a reception, a rush, a punt return and an interception return.
So, what is it about Sierra that helps Martinez have these types of performances?
“I don’t know,” he said. “Coach (Mark Varnum) just talks to me and everybody in practice about preparation. We think we have the talent, the coaches and motivation this year. We have a special team, for sure.”
Martinez got the most out of the limited playing time in his final go-around with Sierra, catching five passes from Owen Gully for 83 yards and touchdowns of 35 and 28 yards.
It was on special teams where he got going, scoring the first points of the game on a 75-yard punt return. He did it again at the start of the second quarter, going 50 yards on another punt return.
His night ended in the first minute of fourth quarter, when he responded to Sierra’s lone touchdown with an 80-yard kickoff return.
Unlike last season’s showdown, Martinez did not play defense this time. Although he has yet to record an interception, he leads the Buffaloes with nine pass deflections. Offensively, he has 25 receptions for 311 yards and seven touchdowns — all team-highs.
Recruited as a receiver, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Martinez prides himself as a three-phase contributor. He has earned a 3-star rating and has close to 30 Division I offers.
“It’s definitely something that can help prepare me for the next level,” Martinez said. “I’m mostly being recruited as a receiver or an athlete, but I don’t know what side of them ball I’ll be playing. Wherever they want me to play at the next level, I’ll be ready for it.”
The unbeaten Buffs (2-0, 6-0 overall) resume their march toward a second straight Valley Oak League title this Friday at Mountain House.
