After a game-clinching play in Saturday’s 24-21 road victory over Drake, Valparaiso University football senior defensive lineman Austin Martins (Newman, Calif. / Orestimba [Modesto JC]) was named the Pioneer Football League Special Teams Player of the Week on Sunday.

Martins blocked Drake’s potential game-tying 42-yard field goal try with three seconds remaining, helping the Beacons secure the road victory in the Pioneer Football League opener. The 5-foot-9 defensive lineman also finished the game with four tackles including three solos. The blocked kick came after Valpo’s 9-play, 80-yard touchdown drive to take the lead with 1:05 remaining.

This marks the second straight week that Martin has earned an award after he was named the College Sports Madness PFL Defensive Player of the Week following a pair of fumble recoveries in Week 3 vs. Dartmouth. This represents Valpo’s second weekly honor this season after the team won seven weekly awards from either the league office or College Sports Madness during the six-week Spring 2021 season.

The Beacons will host Marist on Saturday, Oct. 2 with a noon kickoff slated for the University’s annual homecoming football game. For ticket information, visit valpoathletics.com/tickets.