Peterman awarded for impressive week one performance
Photo by Kenny Trinh
The crowd erupts into boisterous noise, Chapman’s entire bench runs down the sideline celebrating and quarterback Luke Peterman has found the endzone. That story happened six times in The Panther’s 43-23 win over Pacific University last Saturday night.
With 375 passing yards, five passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown Peterman was awarded the SCIAC Offensive Athlete of the Week award.
“I’m grateful for the recognition in our competitive conference,” he said. “I felt like I didn’t play my best but our skill players and (offensive) lineman made it easy for me by creating easy throws and running the ball well in the second half.”
Peterman stayed humble when discussing the recognition, but he put together one of the best games in school history. According to Chapman Athletics, Peterman, a senior political science major, had the ninth most passing yards in a game ever and was one touchdown away from tying the school record. He also ranked third in Division III for passing yards and second for passing touchdowns in week one.
Peterman kept going back to one man when he needed a big play. That was senior wide receiver Amir Adams, a psychology major, who had seven receptions for 148 yards and three touchdowns. Adams made up for essentially half of the offense that his QB produced, including a scintillating 58-yard touchdown pass on Chapman’s first drive of the season.
In what will most likely be both players’ last season with the Panthers, they are already connecting on a level that is scary for opposing defenses.
“The connection Amir and I have comes naturally,” Peterman said. “We both love to win and have put in the work for the results. Amir is always doing what he is supposed to be doing and is always leading. He’s the fastest guy on the field and is always chasing greatness.”
If it wasn’t clear, Chapman’s QB loves playing with Adams. He is Robin to Peterman’s Batman.
“Every QB wants a receiver like him,” Peterman said.
Realistically the weekly award could’ve been handed out to either of these exciting athletes. If they continue to perform at a high level, and Chapman continues to win games, then this won’t be the last time Peterman or Adams receive this honor.
Peterman was sure to not focus too much on himself, though, when discussing this past weekend. He put an emphasis on how good he thinks his team can be this year, and what they can achieve.
“This is the most special group of people I have been around in my life,” Peterman said. “Line me and my guys up against anyone in the country and my money is on us.”
Peterman and Chapman’s next game is away against Whitworth University on Sept. 21, and they’ll be looking for revenge against the school that bested them twice last season.
