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Vote: Who should be The Sporting News Northern California high school football Player of the Week for Week 7? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 18:14 GMT by Sporting News
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Northern California’s Rising Star: Week 7 High‑School Football Player of the Week

The high‑school football season in Northern California is in full swing, and Week 7 of the conference schedule has produced a standout performance that has put one player in the spotlight for Sporting News’ “Player of the Week” series. The chosen athlete, senior wide receiver Alex Martinez of Bayside High School (Hayward, CA), delivered a game‑changing display against rival Northwest Academy, earning him the coveted title and a call to action for fans, parents, and alumni to cast their votes for the season’s most outstanding performer.

The Game‑Changer: Alex Martinez’s 2024 Week 7 Performance

On Sunday night, Martinez took the field for the Bayside Beacons in a 42‑21 victory over Northwest Academy, a top‑ranked team in the Central Coast League. In just 45 minutes of play, the 6‑foot‑1, 190‑lb. senior produced a stat line that would be difficult to match this season:

• 8 receptions for 152 yards
• 3 touchdown receptions (including a 38‑yard bomb to the end zone)
• 1 rushing attempt for 5 yards
• 3 kickoff returns for 42 yards, including a 25‑yard touchdown

The performance not only helped secure the win but also vaulted Martinez into the top five of the league’s weekly rankings. His route‑running precision and ability to create separation earned him praise from opposing coaches, who remarked on his “natural ability to read coverage and find soft spots in the defense.”

According to the official Bayside High School Athletics Department webpage, Martinez is a senior who has been a consistent contributor since his sophomore year. His cumulative season totals as of Week 7 stand at:

• 48 receptions
• 810 yards
• 11 touchdowns

These numbers place him among the leaders in the league for the season, and his Week 7 effort is viewed as a pivotal moment that could impact his recruitment prospects.

The Road to the Spotlight

Alex Martinez’s journey to the Player of the Week award has been marked by perseverance and a steady climb through the ranks. A 2023 senior at Bayside, Martinez was named the team’s Most Valuable Player and earned a spot on the All‑Conference First Team after recording 620 yards and 8 touchdowns on the season. His performance against Northwest Academy is seen by many as a statement of intent as he heads toward a post‑secondary career.

Coaching staff at Bayside, led by head coach Derek Simmons, have highlighted Martinez’s work ethic. In a post‑game interview, Simmons noted, “Alex is the kind of player who puts in the extra hours in the weight room and on the practice field. He’s never satisfied with just getting the ball; he wants to create opportunities for his teammates. That’s why he’s a natural leader.”

The Bayside Beacons are currently 6‑2 on the season, with Martinez contributing to a defensive breakthrough that has helped them maintain a top‑five ranking in the league. The team’s offensive coordinator, Lisa Nguyen, emphasized Martinez’s impact: “His ability to stretch the field gives our offensive line time to work, and that’s a huge advantage against the defensive fronts we’ve been facing.”

Community Engagement and the Voting Process

Sporting News’ Player of the Week feature not only highlights the athlete’s on‑field achievements but also invites the local community to participate in the voting process. Readers can cast their votes on the official Sporting News voting page (link: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/high-school/vote-player-of-the-week). The voting window is open until Monday, November 11th and is limited to one vote per user. The site’s voting algorithm aggregates input from fans, parents, and alumni, providing a transparent and democratic way to honor local talent.

The page also provides a brief biography of Alex Martinez, including his academic interests—he is pursuing a degree in Sports Management at University of California, Berkeley—and his involvement in the Bayside community, such as leading the school’s “Play to Serve” outreach program that organizes youth football clinics.

A Wider Lens: Northern California Football Landscape

Northern California high‑school football is characterized by its competitiveness and depth of talent. The Central Coast League, to which Bayside belongs, features teams such as Madera High, Lompoc Valley, and Bishop’s College Preparatory School, all of which have produced college‑level talent in recent years. In 2023, the league’s top scorer was Jordan Reyes of Madera, who tallied 18 touchdowns; Martinez’s Week 7 performance is positioned just behind that benchmark, hinting at a promising trajectory.

In addition to individual accolades, the region’s high‑school programs are increasingly focusing on player development. Many schools now partner with local community colleges for dual‑enrollment courses, allowing athletes to gain college credit while honing their football skills. Martinez himself is taking advantage of these opportunities, earning a semester of academic credits at San Joaquin Valley College while maintaining eligibility for the NCAA.

The Bigger Picture: Why Votes Matter

While the Player of the Week award is largely ceremonial, it carries tangible benefits for the athlete and their institution. Recognition by a national outlet like Sporting News raises a player’s profile among college recruiters, potentially leading to scholarship offers and increased media exposure. Moreover, local community engagement—through voting and social media support—strengthens school spirit and fosters a network of alumni who may provide mentorship, financial support, or future employment opportunities.

For Alex Martinez, the accolade could serve as a springboard to a scholarship with the University of California, Berkeley or another West Coast program, where his athletic prowess and academic aspirations align. Meanwhile, Bayside High School’s reputation as a nurturing ground for talent is amplified, encouraging future recruits to consider joining the Beacons’ ranks.

Call to Action

As the season approaches its climax, the call to action remains clear: Vote for Alex Martinez to solidify his place as Northern California’s standout high‑school football player of the week. Head to the Sporting News voting page, share Martinez’s story on social media, and join the community that has supported him from his first tackle to his most recent touchdown. Your vote is more than a checkbox—it’s a statement of belief in a young athlete’s potential to excel both on the field and in the classroom.

In a region where high‑school football talent is abundant, moments like these—where dedication, skill, and community converge—are the true hallmarks of the sport. With Martinez’s Week 7 performance etched in the annals of Bayside history, the next chapter of his athletic journey is ready to unfold.