Peter Zamora has every right to be cocky but he’s actually quite down to earth.
The Class of 2022 QB is coming off a dominant showing at International Bowl VIII where he rallied the U-14 Stripes to a 30-19 comeback victory over the U-14 Stars at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
Zamora was the team’s starting quarterback and tossed the game-winning 48-yard touchdown to Darris Schuett with three minutes remaining.
He was also the offensive MVP of Pop Warner's Chris Smith Classic as he tossed four touchdowns in a victory representing the Pompano Eagles.
Overall, in 2016 Zamora completed 67 percent of his passes along with 1,500 yards, 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions.
Yet, when you talk to the Coral Springs, FL native you come away refreshed by his humility.
“He’s a pleasure to coach,” Coach Mike Bailey said. “Athletically he’s rare but he’s probably even more rare as a person. He’s definitely mature beyond his years.”
The reason for his kind-hearted nature is his faith in Jesus Christ.
“I pray a lot that God blesses me to perform to the best of my abilities,” Zamora said. “I just love being able to help others around me.”
The 5-foot-5 Zamora helped guide the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance last season. Zamora might be small in stature but his game is as large as they come.
The playmaker has all the prototypical tools you need to thrive at the most important position on the field.
“He has excellent accuracy. He’s very good on timing routes,” Bailey said. “He also has great touch. He doesn’t throw a very hard ball. Every time he throws the ball it’s very catchable.”
Bailey didn’t hesitate about Zamora’s place amongst the best players he’s coached.
“Number one. He’s the unquestioned number one,” Bailey said. “I’ve had some special players but he’s by far both on and off the field the most special I’ve coached.”
Bailey compares Zamora to New Orleans Saints Super Bowl champion quarterback Drew Brees.
“He’s not the tallest but for what he lacks in height he makes up for with his feet, decision making and ball placement,” Bailey said. “He puts the ball to a spot where only his receiver can get it. His mechanics are definitely comparable.”
Zamora relishes the comparison to one of the all-time great quarterbacks.
“He really knows how to read the defense and he has great pocket presence,” Zamora said.
Zamora was blown away by the chance to participate in the stadium of America’s Team for USA Football.
Zamora says getting the win and being able to bond with his teammates on a such a large stage made for an incredible moment.
“That experience was crazy,” Zamora said. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.”
Zamora demonstrated in the International Bowl that he’s capable of delivering when the game is on the line.
“I try to put the ball in the receivers hands and do a good job of reading the defense,” Zamora said. “I’m calm under pressure.”
Zamora is able to demonstrate such poise because of his attention to detail and preparation.
“He’s a student of the game. He’s very coachable. It’s like having a coach on the field. He’s a true field general,” Bailey said. ‘If I don’t see something on the field he doesn’t mind coming to the sideline to let me know and then we figure it out.”
In addition, Zamora is the consummate professional to his teammates on and off the field.
“I try to support them in every way that I can,” Zamora said. “I help them out and try to keep them motivated.”
Zamora has previously played for the Davie Broncos.
Coach Bailey wants to keep the positive momentum rolling.
“I want him to just continue building on what he’s already doing,” Bailey said. “Don’t get complacent. Just continue to work because he has all the tools to be great.”
Zamora has reached two Super Bowls but is still in pursuit of his first title.
“My goal this year is to win to the Super Bowl,” Zamora said. “I want to perform well and help the teammates around me to get better.”
Zamora would like to improve his speed and Bailey already has a detailed plan in place to assist Zamora with his goal, which will consist of a lot of quickness drills.
Zamora has taken an outside interest in self-improvement as he’s attended the Peyton Manning Passing Academy last June. He gleaned plenty of pointers from the two-time Super Bowl champion.
“One of the coolest players I ever met was Peyton Manning,” Zamora said. “He taught me a lot about arm strength. I asked him how to push the ball deeper down field. He said to use my legs and my strength will come.”
No matter how much success comes Zamora’s way, it’s the words of wisdom from his father Pedro that keeps him level-headed.
“He tells me to just maintain my faith in God and just keep playing. I couldn’t ask for a better father,” Zamora said. “He’s always pushing me to my limits. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my dad.”
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