The 49ers High School Player of the Week Award for Week 7 goes to Sam Falkenhagen of Menlo-Atherton High School.
The junior kicker knocked in a 43-yard field goal and was successful on the go-ahead PAT from 18 yards out in a 31-27 victory over the visiting Burlingame Panthers.
Menlo-Atherton was forced to rally from a 27-point deficit before Falkenhagen converted on the lengthy game winning PAT early in the fourth quarter. With four minutes remaining, the kicker sealed the victory by tacking on three more points.
It was a team effort for the Bears to come from behind, but Falkenhagen's teammates and coach believe in their kicker and know they have a sure footed weapon to call upon when necessary. Weeks prior, he nailed a 57-yard field goal (tied for second best in the country) and his coach feels comfortable sending him out there every time from that range.
"He's very meticulous about kicking," said Menlo-Atherton head coach Sione Ta'ufo'ou, who feels the 57-yarder would have been good from 63 yards out. "He's out there kicking any time of day."
Ta'ufo'ou explains that his kicker is also successful on his attempts away from the field. Falkenhagen is very involved in community service efforts and carries a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.
For his efforts, the 49ers honor Menlo-Atherton kicker Sam Falkenhagen as the week's High School Player of the Week.
As the home school of the 49ers High School Player of the Week, Menlo-Atherton will receive a $500 grant for their football program. Falkenhagen will receive a 49ers hat and t-shirt, a certificate signed by 49ers Head Coach Mike Singletary, two tickets to a 49ers home game and recognition on 49ers.com. At the end of the season, Falkenhagen will be invited to the 49ers Training Facility to accept a trophy recognizing his achievement.
