SPORTS

Peterson’s breakout really no surprise

Dave Weidig
Reporter

GRANVILLE - Jack Peterson’s breakout season for Granville on both sides of the ball might be a surprise to those who don’t know him.

For those who do, it was a natural progression for the athletic senior, a three-year starter.

Through five games, Peterson leads Licking County with 39 catches for 484 yards and five touchdowns. He also has three interceptions, two of them for long returns against Sheridan and a pick-6 against Eastmoor Academy.

“He told me he’s trying to be the best receiver in the LCL,” said fellow wideout and twin brother Jake Peterson. “He put a lot of time in during the offseason at TAD Sports, and he’s been a wide receiver the whole time. All that experience helped get him to this point.”

Coach J.R. Wait called Jack Peterson “as good as anyone we’ve had here over the years. But most of them played one way. He’s instinctive and aggressive on defense, and that carries over to the offensive side of the ball.”

Wait said Peterson is leading the team on both sides of the ball, and that’s not easy to do.

“He’s played since his sophomore year, so he has a lot of valuable experience,” Wait said. “He’s a multi-sport athlete and also a very good baseball player. He’s played in a lot of big games on different stages.”

Jack said he worked harder than he ever has during the off season.

“I worked on my speed and getting more explosive off the ball,” he said. “Making more plays in the open field. Play a lot faster. I have a lot more confidence, but I’m still working on wrapping better (on his tackling). I’m still coming in there with my shoulder first.”

He said the improvement of sophomore quarterback Cam Crouch has helped his receiving.

“He throws a great deep ball, and puts the ball where it needs to be,” Peterson said.

Granville is 1-4 against a brutal schedule that includes losses to three unbeatens and a 4-1 team. The back end of the schedule is at least a little bit kinder, as the Blue Aces still have LCL Buckeye Division play ahead of them.

“We’re close to putting it all together,” Jack said. “Our team has not given up by any means. We have a lot of potential to show even more.”

Jake Peterson said he’s really proud of his team. “We have a lot of young guys, and they’ve never given up,” he said. “No one gives up.”

“One of our goals was to win the conference, and we still have that in front of us,” Jack said. “If we win out, who knows about the playoffs? We have a lot of goals we’re striving for.”

dweidig@newarkadvocate.com

740-328-8557

Twitter: @noz75

Aug. 26: Sheridan 35, Granville 23

Sept. 2: Granville 29, Eastmoor Academy 12

Sept. 9: Heath 35, Granville 14

Sept. 16: Mogadore 21, Granville 12

Sept. 23: Johnstown 45, Granville 15

Sept. 30: Utica, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7: Licking Valley, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14: @Watkins Memorial, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21: Licking Heights, 7 p.m.

Oct. 28 @Lakewood, 7 p.m.