Justin Martinez, Pampa soccer, Sr.
On the pitch: In the first week of District 3-4A play, Martinez got Pampa off to a fast start and presented evidence as to why he might be the area’s best player. Martinez accounted for all of Pampa’s scoring in the district opener against West Plains, tallying a hat trick in a 3-0 victory. He then topped himself to close the week at Randall, scoring a whopping five goals in an 8-1 victory, establishing the Harvesters as an early district contender. Last week wasn’t a surprise as Martinez is Pampa’s linchpin offensively at striker, as he’s scored 20 of the team’s 28 goals this season. Martinez is a four-year starter for the Harvesters and last season he led the state in scoring and could be on pace to do so again this season. He also had a four-goal game against Class 5A Tascosa earlier in the season.
Coach Martin Moreno: “He always says he wants to score three goals in a game. He wants to score as many as he can whether that’s one or that’s five. He’s definitely one of the best strikers in this area for sure. We have one other striker and he’s a sophomore. If Justin’s having a good game we’re going to have a good result. We play a 4-4-1-1 because Dumas plays with a sweeper and Randall kind of plays like that. With two strikers you’re going to find the back of the net at some point or another. I would say he’s a big contributor for sure. If he doesn’t score we other goal scorers, but we won’t score as many. The difference is we won’t score as many as eight goals.”
Martinez: “Especially when you’re a striker, your job is to score goals and that’s what I’ve been doing so far when it most counts in district. That’s when my team needs me the most. Last year I was leading the state in goals and it’s a pretty big expectation that you’ve got to keep doing it. I feel like the team expected that. Obviously I couldn’t do it without my teammates. Having that type of mentality is what makes you want to play better and be above average more than everybody else. Dumas plays a very different defense against us than they do against anybody else. I’ve played a couple of defense like that and it’s hard but I feel like we can overcome that. Other teams watch film and they have an idea of who I am.”
About Martinez
Favorite band or musician: Twenty-one Savage
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo
Bet you didn’t know: Is a big family person
Parents: Alejandro Martinez and Patricia Perez
