Peterson leads Paloma Valley defense into Menifee Bowl

Paloma Valley defensive back JJ Peterson (20) has played a major role for the Wildcats this season. Photo by Kristi Jo Aguirre

JJ Peterson says it took him all of one football practice as a freshman to discover one thing.

"I don't have hands," said the Paloma Valley High School senior. "Right away, they put me on defense."

In football terminology, that means Peterson had trouble catching passes, which for a wide receiver is a problem. But as a defensive back, it's been a different story. Peterson has excelled at the position the last two seasons. He has even shown he can catch the football when needed, coming up with an interception each of the last two seasons.

As Wildcats coach Tom Tello will tell you, there's much more to Peterson's role than picking off opposing passes. That's why Tello is excited about his team's prospects heading into Friday night's Menifee Bowl game at Heritage, where both teams will take 5-2 records into their Ivy League opener.

"He's the quarterback of our defense," Tello said about Peterson, who is called upon to help set defensive alignments on the field. "He knows where everyone needs to line up. He's a calming influence out there; if something is wrong, he can fix it."

Tello still remembers what he saw in Peterson when the coach came over from Heritage last season to become head coach of the Wildcats.

"When I came here, he was on JV," Tello recalled. "After two games, he had three pick sixes and two other interceptions. I said, 'We're missing out on something here.'

"JJ is so quiet and unassuming, but he does his job. He's just a good high school athlete."

Peterson does something athletically that fewer high school athletes are doing these days -- excel in two varsity sports. He hit .326 for the baseball team last season and made first team all-league as an outfielder. His athletic future in college could go either of two ways.

"Whatever gives me the best opportunity," said Peterson, who still has a spring season of baseball to look forward to.

"It's exciting to see a true dual-sport athlete," Tello said. "He's one of those throwback players. He's not into specialization, but he's successful in both sports."

Peterson has 21 solo tackles this season -- one of the highest totals on the team. He is the last person to take personal credit for the defense's success, however.

"Our defense is a bunch of dogs," Peterson said, stressing that this is a good thing. "Whatever happens, we’re always running to the ball. Not many people can break out on us. If everybody does their job right, this is my favorite defense I’ve played with."

Although Tello says Peterson is a great communicator on the field with his teammates, Peterson is quick to say that doesn't include trash talking or unnecessary chatter.

"I think I’m a leader, but I'm not into talking," he said. "I really try to stop people from talking out there. Talking is not football. The way you talk is what shows on the scoreboard."