By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor The title of this story kind of says it all. Maranatha quarterback Kwon Peterson and St. Francis’ Darius Perrantes are the area’s best two quarterbacks. And more importantly, he’s an even better kid than even his on-the-field prowess. Peterson has the Minutemen 4-1 thus far, and they’ve already surpassed last […]
By BRIAN REED-BAIOTTO, Sports Editor
The title of this story kind of says it all.
Maranatha quarterback Kwon Peterson and St. Francis’ Darius Perrantes are the area’s best two quarterbacks.
And more importantly, he’s an even better kid than even his on-the-field prowess.
Peterson has the Minutemen 4-1 thus far, and they’ve already surpassed last season’s win total (3 victories).
The 17-year old has thrown for 1,018 yards through four games and Maranatha has averaged 30 points per game.
Peterson has a 57-percent completion ratio (53 of 94) and has 13 TD passes to just 5 interceptions.
He averages 204 yards passing and has 75 yard rushing.
The three-year starting quarterback is just one TD pass from equaling his 2015 and 2016 totals combined.
Ironically enough, Peterson, who began playing football in the fifth grade, wanted to play running back.
After encouragement from a number of people, and based on his size, he took up the game’s most important position.
Peterson, though, didn’t fully embrace his role as quarterback until about the eighth grade.
Speaking of size, Peterson has the prototype body when it comes to what scouts and coaches at the next level want to see.
He stands 6-foot-2 and at 195 pounds, he is in the best shape of his life.
The inside joke around Maranatha is wondering how Peterson ever got to be that tall when his parents are both under 5-foot-8.
What separates Peterson from most is his ability to not only get outside of the pocket, but also his accuracy on the run.
His penchant for making plays when it looks like there’s nothing to be had is another of his most valuable physical traits.
But what’s most impressive to this writer is just how humble, quiet, disciplined and intelligent the Maranatha senior is.
He isn’t the typical high school star in that he see’s no value in talking trash or disrespecting an opponent.
Peterson is all about allowing his play to do his speaking.
A perfect example of that discipline was on display against Pasadena in their second game of the year.
A number of Pasadena players got in his ear throughout, despite the fact that they were getting their asses handed to them.
On a few plays, Bulldogs’ players would follow closely behind Peterson as he walked back to the Maranatha sidelines and Peterson never even acknowledged them, let alone any kind of a reaction to the taunts.
“There is no point in talking,” Peterson said. “I don’t allow people to get into my head. I don’t want to do anything to hurt my team, so I just go out there and do my job.”
Peterson is a coach of the field and is extremely well liked and has the respect of everyone.
“Kwon has both a great (strong) arm and an accurate arm,” Maranatha coach Steve Bogan said. “He is also very fast, with ability to extend plays. He can hurt a team with both his arm and legs. He is very much a player-coach on the field. He also has integrity and balance. He’s a good person in a crazy world. He’s a true joy to coach!”
It’s no secret as to why Peterson has become such a mature and humble young man.
His parents, Antoine and Nadine have their son focused and disciplined.
Every night at 9 p.m., Peterson has to turn over his phone to his parents so he can concentrate on his studies and rest his body for that week’s practices and game.
It prevents him from spending time on social media or wasting his time when there are more important things to focus on.
His father is also an assistant coach at the school, and his brother Antoine is on the sidelines of every game rooting his little brother on.
“I don’t think I fully understand just how cool it is to have both of them out there with me,” he said. “I know when I leave Maranatha, it’s something I’ll not only miss, but something I will always cherish as well.”
His parents are incredibly proud of their son.
“Kwon isn’t the kind of person who wants attention, and is quick to give credit to others,” Antoine Peterson said. “It’s a blessing to be on the field with my son and it’s something I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for.”
Peterson understands and embraces the fact that his entire team is counting on him each week to make plays, but he’s humble enough to say he is nothing without his teammates and appreciates everyone for doing their jobs and for their production.
He says that Valley Christian, the defending CIF champions are the team to beat and that if Maranatha wants to win an Olympic League title, they have to focus 24/7 not only at practice, but also not taking plays off during their games.
So far, he’s gotten a little interest from schools at the next level, but it isn’t nearly what it should be based on his body, arm, character and talent.
Azusa Pacific might be a great fit for him, especially considering his dad went to school there and he’d be able to continue his education at a faith-based school.
One of his more admirable traits is how much he admired and took notes of those who came before him.
Peterson and his teammates finally lost their first game last Saturday in a blowout at Brentwood and they’re looking to avenge that loss when they host Poly (3-1-1) on Thursday at 7.
His season is only at the half-way point, and despite not looking too far ahead, Peterson said he hopes to be remembered as a guy/teammate that would do anything to help his team win games, and simply that he was a nice guy.
Lastly, he wants his teammates and coaches to know how much they mean in his life, especially four-time CIF championship coach Steve Bogan.
“He believed in me from the beginning and I’ll always appreciate that,” Peterson said. “He’s always trying to make me better on and off the field, and he’s just a great man. I’ve learned a lot from him as a quarterback and as a young man, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Quotable:
Maranatha coach Steve Bogan: “Kwon is simply a “solid” young man with great values, from a great family. He fits well the saying that “the apple doesn’t fall from the tree.”He’s a calm yet focused player. He stays cool and calm in virtually all situations. He is a “poker face” type player. You can’t really tell the score by looking at him. He plays hard, smart, calm and focused and regardless of the score.”
Maranatha sophomore Jacob Moreno: “He is a great guy, and a super nice kid. He’s funny and jokes around, but when it comes to playing football, he is a born leader. Kwon is very posed and never crumbles under pressure. I respect everything about him not only a leader, but a person to look up to. I appreciate how he’s able to clam us down at any time.”
Maranatha senior Awan Parker: “He’s the best quarterback in the area, without a doubt, He’s a a hard worker and is always wanting to throw deep balls after two and a half hour practices. Kwon is a great teammate as well, and is always uplifting the players without yelling at them.”
Maranatha senior Chandler Auguste: “He’s just a great kid off the field and an incredible player and teammate on the field. One thing I respect about him is he doesn’t have to be a leader through his words he can be one through his actions.”
Getting To Know Kwon Peterson:
Favorite Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite Athlete: Marcus Mariota
Favorite Movie: The Death Race
Musical Artist People Might Be Surprised I like: The Chainsmokers
Famous Person (Alive or Dead) I’d Most Want A Conversation With: Louis Zamperini
2017 Maranatha Schedule/Results:
August 25: Maranatha 34, Rim of the World 7
September 1: Maranatha 36, Pasadena 21
September 8: Maranatha 42, Azusa 7
September 15: Maranatha 7, Campbell Hall 3
September 23: Brentwood 42, Maranatha 3
September 28: Poly at Maranatha at 7
October 6: Maranatha at Valley Christian at 7
October 13: Maranatha at Fillmore at 7
Oxtover 20: Whittier Christian at Maranatha at 7
October 27: Heritage Christian at Maranatha at 7
