Peter Ramanand was a quarterback for most of his young life growing up, playing the position when he participated in the Weehawken Pop Warner program when he was a youngster.
But when he arrived at North Bergen High School three years ago, he was not a quarterback. He was more of a wide receiver and defensive back.
“I just wanted to get on the field and help the team,” Ramanand said. “I didn’t care where I was playing.”
In fact, in his very first varsity game in 2008, Ramanand caught a touchdown pass for the Bruins against Montclair.
But veteran North Bergen head coach Vince Ascolese saw something in Ramanand that made the coach realize he needed to put Ramanand at quarterback right away.
“He was a true athlete and we knew we had to have Pete at quarterback because of his ability,” Ascolese said. “He was only a sophomore, but we had to make an investment for our future. We had to go with him.”
Ascolese had so much faith in Ramanand’s talents that he instilled a new spread offense especially for Ramanand, going away from the Delaware Wing-T formation that Ascolese utilized for decades.
“I think it was because of his athleticism,” Ascolese said. “We had to do something to take advantage of his athleticism.”
Ramanand took to being the Bruins’ starting signal caller almost instantly. Although the Bruins suffered through a 3-7 season, Ramanand learned every step of the way and showed an incredible amount of potential in doing so.
“It helped tremendously,” Ramanand said. “I gained so much experience. I learned about the little things you have to do to be successful. I learned how to keep my composure through tough times.”
Ramanand also learned one other important fact about that 2008 losing season.
“I knew I never wanted to have that feeling again,” Ramanand said.
Ramanand led the Bruins to a 5-5 record last season, but knew that this year being his last had to be a special one.
“I think everyone had it in the back of their minds that we hadn’t won in the first round of the state playoffs in 13 years,” Ramanand said.
The lack of success in the opening round of the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 1, Group IV playoffs hung like a collective albatross around the necks of the Bruins.
“I knew that I had to do everything possible to get us a win in the state playoffs,” Ramanand said.
As the Bruins faced Passaic County Tech in the opening round last Friday night, Ramanand reminded his teammates that it was time to eliminate the prior setbacks.
“It was going to have to be our best game ever,” Ramanand said. “We all had to step up and do what we had to do to win.”
Ramanand had the game of his life in leading the Bruins to the 27-25 victory. He completed 9-of-14 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown and ran with the ball another 14 times for 107 yards and scored two touchdowns, leading the Bruins to the huge victory, ending the Bruins’ long skid in the state playoffs.
For his efforts, Ramanand has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week for the past week.
Ascolese said that Ramanand’s field presence was a big reason for the win as well.
“He’s played a great role with his leadership,” Ascolese said. “He’s very calm and composed. He is just a relaxed kid. He had a punt return for a touchdown called back and he reacted like nothing ever happened. He just swallowed it and moved on. He’s always got a smile on his face. I like the way he approaches everything.”
Added Ascolese, “He’s also improved a lot as a quarterback, throwing the ball, understanding the reads. It’s usually hard for high school kids, but Peter has gotten a lot better. He’s a great weapon to have, because he can run and throw. It’s unbelievable the amount of pressure he puts on a defense. I would have to say that this was his best game.”
Ascolese also put Ramanand in at defensive back for the final series. The Bruins won the game when they stopped a potentially game-tying two-point conversion with no time remaining, with Ramanand on the field at safety.
“It was a tough situation for him, because he didn’t play there all year,” Ascolese said. “But he’s like the light that everyone is drawn to. He makes everyone better.”
“The team needed me to step up and make a play,” said Ramanand, who will lead the Bruins to the sectional semifinal this weekend against Randolph. “It was crazy to be out there for the last play. I didn’t want to lose.”
Ramamand is looking forward to leading the 8-2 Bruins against Randolph, with a trip to the New Meadowlands Stadium and a state championship on the line.
“This game really means a lot,” Ramanand said. “I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”
Whatever happens, Ramanand knows that he’s definitely left a legacy of greatness with the Bruins, putting himself with other Bruin quarterbacks like Eddie Duran and former Reporter Athlete of the Year Evan Rodriguez.
“It’s a good feeling to be considered with them,” Ramanand said. “I just wanted to make a name for myself.”
With a name like that, it certainly wasn’t easy.
“As long as people know it, that’s all,” Ramanand said. “There are times that I can’t even spell it.”
He certainly has the sense of humor to go along with his vast talents. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached at OGSMAR@aol.com.