SALINA— Just six games into the 2015 run Panther junior Eric Martinez kicked his way into the record books Thursday leading the Panther soccer team to a 12-2 topping of St. John’s Military Academy.

Martinez’s ten goals against the Muleskinners broke a GBHS record set by Alejandro Espino who posted a six goal game performance in 2014. Martinez also holds the record for goals scored in a single season with 20. The old record was 19 set by Carlos Nieto in 2003.

As a team Great Bend has won their fourth straight contest heading back into WAC play this Tuesday at Hays. The Panthers are 4-2 on the year and currently post a 1-0 showing in conference competition following last week’s overtime win against the Indians.

The Panthers nailed 17 shots on goal in the first period with seven corner kicks against SJMA and led 6-1 at the half. Martinez split the purse scoring five of his ten goals in the opening half and added a pair of penalty kicks to his five additional scores in the second. Misael Rodriguez scattered two goals in the second half as the Panthers held the Muleskinners to one score in each period.

Brian Galindo contributed a team high four assists while Carlos Franco and Omar Rodriguez supplied two each. Anthony Brown and Darien Sanchez also posted an assist each in the victory.

“This was a huge day for Eric and our team,” said coach Gus Prieto. “To break a school record after 12 years in the way he did and this early in the season really helps our team’s posture and momentum with nine game left on our schedule.”