NCS Junior of the Year
DARIUS PETERSON, QB, MARIN CATHOLIC
Taking over the reins at quarterback for the Wildcats comes with expectations that can hardly be put into words. Peterson stepped into that role this season, on the
heels of Jared Goff (Cal) and Morgan Mahalak (Oregon) as the engineers of head coach Mazi Moayed’s offense the previous two seasons.
Having set a school record for rushing yards per attempt with 10.2 as a sophomore playing running back in 2013, Peterson entered his junior year with the physical ability
to excel behind center. And he put in the time and effort to learn the nuances of the position.
“He obviously runs real well,” said Moayed. “But he has a tremendous work ethic, and that got him prepared to be a leader this season.”
That work ethic translated to a season in which Peterson threw for over 2,200 yards and ran for over 1,100, including 42 total touchdowns. Those numbers came
despite six games in which he played a half or less. And the ultimate reward for the team was a return trip to the NCS Division III title game, where they came
within six points of eventual state champion Campolindo.
With another year on the horizon for Peterson and the Wildcats’ offense, the team will likely have its sights set even higher in 2015.
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