Peterson get job done as Cache linebacker

When many of the senior generation think about those tough linebackers that ruled the National Football League the names that often come to mind are Dick Butkus, Bronko Nagurski and Leroy Jordan.

They were all tough guys, big, physical linebackers who were tackling the best players in the league.

Cache’s Johnny Peterson isn’t going to break the scale at 160 pounds but he’s been getting the job done with hard work and by studying video and taking in everything that defensive coordinator Eric Gibson and head coach Tanner Thompson are teaching the Bulldogs’ defense.

The defense had a major role last week when the Bulldogs beat Woodward, 30-23.

“Getting that first win was like a big weight lifting off our shoulders,” Peterson said before Wednesday’s practice. “It was huge for the entire team and our coaches. The defense has been playing pretty well and we all felt good after finally winning.”

The biggest play in the game came when fellow linebacker Ben Angiel came through the line to block a Woodward punt and then came the big chase for the ball.

“I was one of the three guys down there trying to get the ball,” the senior said. “We knew we had a chance for a touchdown and we all wanted to get the ball. I wasn’t sure where their punter was when he kicked the ball out of the end zone because I was focused on the ball.

“There was a good deal of confusion but finally the officials figured it out and we scored the winning touchdown. It takes camaraderie on the field and we have a great one in Christian Bennett who gets us lined up and ready. He’s a three-year starter and really is a great teammate.”

In his spare time, Peterson loves to lift weights, either at home or on Fort Sill where his dad, also named Johnny, is a 20-year veteran in the Army with a ADA Patriot unit.

Dad and mom Kelly both are good cooks, each with their own specialties.

“Mom makes the greatest mashed potatoes with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits and that is my 100 percent favorite thing she cooks,” the linebacker said. “And dad can cook anything on the grill—ribs, steak or anything—and it’s going to be good.”

In the classroom Peterson’s favorite subject is history and this semester he’s taking three college courses: American Federal Government, English Comp 1 and college algebra.

As far as his career goals, he’s setting something pretty lofty, reaching ESPN as a football analyst.

“I know it takes a good deal of luck and exposure to reach that level but that’s what I would love to do,” he said.

Tonight, the Bulldogs head to Weatherford for another critical District 4A-1 contest and the Eagles have one of the most imposing players is the state in 6-6 wide receiver/tight end C.J. Nickerson.

“They like to split him out and throw to him at times but they have changed their offense some,” he said. “They used to throw the ball more but now they are running it a good deal. If I do end up covering him some, I just have to do my best and play good technique.”

While Peterson probably won’t follow in dad’s footsteps and join the Army but he says that with a caveat.

“If something would happen and our country needed me to go fight, I would be proud to serve in the Army,” he said.