By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor Right off the bat, two obvious factors stand out when it comes to measuring Maranatha’s chances of bouncing back from a 3-6-1 season from a year ago. The first is the play of three-year starting quarterback Kwon Peterson and if his lineman can give him the time he needs to […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
Right off the bat, two obvious factors stand out when it comes to measuring Maranatha’s chances of bouncing back from a 3-6-1 season from a year ago.
The first is the play of three-year starting quarterback Kwon Peterson and if his lineman can give him the time he needs to show off his immense skills.
Peterson can throw the ball well, but he’s just as effective with his legs.
The second is avoiding all the catastrophic injuries that plagued coach Steve Bogan’s squad all last season.
Despite being under duress all year in 2016, Peterson still threw for 1,600 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He rushed for 120 yards and had one TD on the ground.
The feeling is that not only is his offensive line healthy this season, they are also healthy to head into Friday night’s game at Rim of the World at 7.
Peterson’s key targets include Pasadena High transfer (from 2016) Awan Parker, Chandler Auguste, Sumner Ortlund and Jacob Moreno.
All 10 touchdown passes last season went to graduating seniors, so Peterson’s four core will make new history for themselves if they’re able to live up to the expectations of their quarterback and head coach.
Junior running back Zack McClendon is expected to be the Minutemen workhorse when it comes to grinding out yards and Parker will also carry the ball at times, especially in sweep-type plays.
Parker is confident that he’ll have a breakout year and wouldn’t want to play for any other coach or quarterback.
“I feel like we have more lineman and depth. We can seize the moment,” Parker said. “The energy around here over the summer is way different than last year. (Kwon) is a great player and is an all-around great guy. Coach Bogan is a student of the game. I’ve never played for a coach with this kind of success.”
For his part, Peterson accepts and embraces the knowledge that how he goes, so goes the Maranatha football program.
“I’ve improved most in the weight room, and I’ve used that (getting stronger) to get the most out of my abilities,” Peterson said. “Being able to throw and run helps my team out a lot. There are a lot of leaders on this team and we’re pretty healthy.”
Bogan is the area’s lone four-time CIF championship coach.
His South Hills teams dominated the early 2000’s before he found a home at Maranatha.
Bogan’s success has earned him universal praise, but his impact on his player’s lives is something that dwarfs even his on-the-field accomplishments over the years.
He too is expecting 2017 to be a potential bounce back season for his Minutemen.
“We have a bunch of good players and they remind me about how the whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” Bogan said. “We’re always preaching to work harder and I think they are willing to put in the work to be successful.”
Maranatha’s schedule includes intriguing intra-city match ups with both Poly and Pasadena, so there should be no shortage of excitement at Minutemen games this year.
They also have home games in two of their three Olympic League contests, which could serve them well.
Quotable:
Maranatha coach Steve Bogan: “We were young and are trying to get some numbers. We’re starting to get a little depth. Injuries will be key, but we’re pretty healthy right now. Awan Parker, Kwon Peterson and Jacob Moreno can make things happen. There are a bunch of good ball players. Last year was a real struggle. We’re expecting a step up this year. Kwon is steady in all areas. He’s always been extremely bright. His dad and grandfather are great coaches and the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. He’s doesn’t get flustered and you want that in a quarterback.”
Maranatha quarterback Kwon Peterson: “We lost key guys to injuries, but this year, we’re looking strong. I take a lot of pride in being a versatile quarterback. I can do both (run and throw). We got some transfer athletes and lineman that will be key. We made a lot of mistakes last year and we just need to stay right with our playbooks. I’ve improved most in the weight room, and I’ve used the weight room to help me get the most out of my abilities. We have a great energy and we love hanging out with each other. Coach Bogan took me in my sophomore year and has been a great mentor and coach.”
Maranatha wide receiver Awan Parker: “I feel like I’m a play-maker when my team needs a big play. It’s way more strict at Maranatha and I feel way more love here. I like the discipline a lot and it helps prepare you for life.”
2017 Maranatha Football Schedule:
August 25: Maranatha at Rim of the World at 7
September 1: Pasadena at Maranatha at 7
September 8: Azusa at Maranatha at 7
September 15: Campbell Hall at Maranatha at 7
September 23: Maranatha at Brentwood Schools at 3
September 28: Poly at Maranatha at 7
October 6: Maranatha at Cerritos Valley Christian at 7 **
October 13: Maranatha at Fillmore at 7:30
October 20: Whittier Christian at Maranatha at 7 **
October 27: Heritage Christian at Maranatha at 7 **
** Denotes Olympic League Games
*** Editor’s Note: Please send us any pictures that parents might take and we’d be happy to use them. We’ll credit whomever takes the photos, but we need them the same night they play.
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