Week 2 Roundup: Martin County stays true to identity in win over Santaluces
Martin County football relied on a punishing defense and a strong run game to edge out Santaluces 21 to 16.
Stuart — Martin County High School’s football team, lacking significant firepower, relied on a robust running game and a dominant defense to trounce Santaluces 21-16 on Friday, August 28. Coach Rod Harris stressed that victories by seven points or fewer have marked the Tigers' last five regular-season wins since 2025. Two touchdowns emerged from their defense, while the running game accounted for the rest of the scoring.
Senior defensive end Jonathan Leocal recorded a crucial strip-sack and a 30-yard return for the opening score, 14-7. Junior tackle John Richter followed up with a 30-yard touchdown run after seizing the loose ball. The game remained scoreless until the third quarter, when senior linebacker Landon Johnson's pressure allowed a deflected pass to be snatched by senior captain Wyatt Parks, who returned it 56 yards for another touchdown.
Martin County's lone offensive touchdown occurred early in the second quarter, when quarterback Manny Louis kept the ball and advanced 11 yards for a score. Despite the offense's occasional lengthy drives, the ground game, spearheaded by running backs Charles Ceasar and Arhmad Walker, contributed over 200 yards. The visitors managed a touchdown pass from Jason Guillaume to Jayvon Dawson with just 1:28 left, but an onside kick failed to bounce out.
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