BECKS PRIME TEAM OF THE MONTH: John Cooper School; Peterson amidst dream season

The John Cooper School reached the SPC DII title game last season for the first time in school history.

The Dragons are one win away from a repeat appearance if they can get a win in Austin this weekend.

One of the lead Dragons is Jake Peterson, who plays middle linebacker and totes the rock in the heavy-package on offense.

"Jake is one of those special players that every coach dreams for," coach Erik Dehaven said. "He's just a junior and he's only going to get bigger and better. A guy he reminds me of is Paddy Fisher (Northwestern), who played at Katy. He plays the game violently and is always attacking the ball."

He's played both ways most of the season and has been an integral part of the Dragons' success.

"It's been a really fun season. We started a little slow, but we've caught our stride and I feel like we can beat anyone in our conference," Peterson said. "I'm looking forward to our next few games."

The 6-foot-2 athlete would love nothing more than to capture an SPC title.

"It would mean the world," he said. "To our school, our team and to the seniors who graduated last year. We could come back and get it done for them. We want redemption for what we lost last year. It's something that words couldn't describe."

After football wraps up, he will hit the diamond where he is a talented baseball player.

"Sometimes the sports overlap and it can be hard to find the balance," he said. "Football keeps me in good shape for baseball and because there is that overlap, I'm not behind physically."

For now, it's all about preparing for the next game and getting to the SPC championship weekend to be played in Houston.

Peterson will be the center of attention.