Oct. 23, 2006
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State senior linebacker Joe Martin (defensive) and junior place-kicker Garrett Palmer (special teams) have been named Mountain West Conference Football Players of the Week for their performances in the team's 19-12 win over Air Force, the league office announced Monday.
Martin (Palmdale, Calif.) recorded a career-high 16 tackles, including five solos, and a sack for a loss of nine yards. The team co-captain beat his previous career best in tackles by four and the 16 stops were the most by an Aztec in a game since Freddy Keiaho had 18 at Ohio State in September 2005.
Martin was a key part in limiting the Air Force offense to a season-low 12 points, with 12 of his 16 tackles keeping Air Force from picking up a first down. Thirteen of his 16 stops were also on plays in which the Falcons claimed four yards or less of offense, including four tackles for one yard. It was Martin's fifth career outing with 10 or more tackles.
Palmer (Rialto, Calif.) made both of his field-goal attempts on Saturday, including the game-winner from 30 yards out with two seconds remaining and the Aztecs trailing, 12-10. His first field goal of the night, a 35-yarder, gave the Aztecs the early 3-0 lead at the half. Palmer is now 6-for-8 on field goals this season and has made all eight of his extra-point attempts. He ranks fourth in school history in career field goals (33), is third in field-goal percentage (71.7) and has made 11 from 40 or more yards.
Martin and Palmer are the first Aztecs to be recognized by the league this season. It is Martin's first career player of the week award, while it is the third for Palmer, who has been honored once in both 2004 and 2005.
San Diego State rounds out its 2006 non-conference schedule with the annual Homecoming game this Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium against Cal Poly at 5 p.m.
Mountain West Conference Football Players Of The Week (Oct. 23)
Offense: Donovan Porterie (UNM)
Defense: Joe Martin (SDSU)
Special Teams: Garrett Palmer (SDSU)