Stilwell High School senior Juan Martinez is hoping to make the most of his senior year as an Indian starting with his second year as the starting quarterback in football. Last season he passed for nearly 2000 yards and 19 touchdowns as he went through the paces of learning a new offense under coach Bryan Ross.

“Last year was his first year in this new offense and so there was a learning curve to overcome but it’s been fun to watch him overcome that adapt and learn,” said Ross. “He throws a nice ball from just about any angle to anywhere on the field and he’s done a nice job for us. But to be a complete team you have to have the line play and receivers to match and those are things we’re working to get better in as the season progresses.”

In addition to football, Martinez plays a shooting guard position in basketball and is a utility player in baseball, but football is his favorite sport.

“I think football helps me become more of a leader and it’s the sport I’m most comfortable in.”

He has watched teammates before him lead a team that has struggled, and he takes that into account as he talks about his take on senior leadership.

“My biggest challenge as a leader is trying to keep the team focused and be prepared for the next game while leading by example,” said Martinez.

As far as learning a new offense, there are also lessons that Juan has learned.

“I think the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is learning that I don’t have to try and throw the deep ball on every play and instead rely on my checkdown receivers more often,”

Off the field, court and diamond, Juan is involved in school activities such as 4H, the fishing club and Key Club. The highlight of his time at Stilwell was realized earlier this year in the season opener against Gentry, Arkansas when he passed for nearly 400 yards.

“When I graduate, I’d like to try and walk on and play football somewhere and study law. I think I’d like folks to remember me as one of the top quarterbacks to play at Stilwell,” said Martinez.