In November 2018, Idaho football found themselves down three in the final minutes of the fourth quarter in a pivotal game against North Dakota.
With 29 seconds left in the game, Idaho quarterback Mason Petrino knew he needed to make a play to seal the win and claim the victory. Lined up in shotgun formation, the ball snapped to Petrino.
His eyes aimed at the corner of the end zone as he made a perfect back shoulder throw to wide receiver Jeff Cotton.
The touchdown sealed the win for the Vandals and became a pivotal moment for Petrino’s athletic development.
“That definitely has to be one of the most memorable plays for sure,” Petrino said in an interview.
The 6-foot, 208-pound senior quarterback has had an unconventional path on the way to becoming Idaho’s leader for the offense, facing adversity every step of the way.
Petrino entered his freshman season backing up former Idaho standout Matt Linehan, before making the switch to wide receiver a year later.
Petrino battled shoulder injuries throughout his sophomore season, separating his shoulder on multiple occasions.
After recovering from a separated shoulder to start his sophomore year, Petrino separated it again late in the season after finally having an opportunity to play quarterback in relief for an injured Linehan.
“That injury was just abummer,” Petrino said. “I just tryto forget about that year.”
Petrino said being back in the quarterback room for his junior season helped continue his grow that quarterback, despite dealing with the ailing injuries once again.
Senior Quarterback Mason Petrino prepares to pass the ball on Saturday against Central Washington.
Petrino said the constant injury battle was the most difficult timeof his life.
“When you know you’re hurt, people are screaming at you, screaming at you for your job, telling you how bad you are, while working through every single
last nerve of energy you got just to play. It was really frustrating,”Petrino said.
The adversity continued— Petrino was thrown into a quarterback competition with Colton Richardson last season, leaving fans wondering whenIdaho would find their full-time starter at quarterback.
“We were kind of told that we were going to use both of us,” Petrino said. “I think it both helped us out and took the pressure off of us at certain times, but I think we both grew as players.”
Despite being at a constant battle for a whole season, Petrino said there is no bad blood between the two quarterbacks.
“(Richardson) was probably my biggest supporter on the sideline at the Wyoming game,” he said. “That says a lot about his character and who he is as a person…at the end of the day we both want what’s best for each other and what’s best for the team.”
On Tuesday, Idaho head coach Paul Petrino made the announcement that Mason will be the starting quarterback for the Vandals, ending the battle that lasted since the beginning of the 2018 season.
Petrino said being more comfortable this season has helped him lead the offense.
“It’s just a whole second year of playing, the game starts to really slow down for you,” Petrino said.“You get a lot less cluttered which allows you to just play free.”
Building the mental toughness and overcoming the obstacles thrown in front of him are what Petrino said he values most.
“When you face adversity, you just have to get through it,” Petrino said. “If you just have that mental toughness and believe in yourself, I think you can get through anything.”
As one of possibly the more polarizing players for Idaho football in recent memory, Petrino continues to not focus on his critics.
“I haven’t been the most liked person in this town or this state,I’ve known that.” Petrino said.“You just can’t listen to them, because some will just get in your head and make your life miserable.”
When his time ends here at Idaho, Petrino hopes to find a career in coaching, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
“I’ve been around football all my life and just have been a coach’s kid, coaching is just something I am really passionate about,” Petrino said.
Even though Petrino has his future set, his initial focus is on the upcoming matchup against the regional rival — Eastern Washington Eagles.
“I want to kill them. I justwant to kill them,” Petrino said.“It’s turned into a big rivalry for us and this has probably been the most fired up I’ve been for a game in a while.”
Chris Deremer can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @chris_DEREMER