When Peabody football coach Anthony Hicks searched for a quarterback, skill requirement wasn't at the top of the list.

That's why Jequan Dwellingham, a senior, is still surprised that he's the Warhorses' quarterback.

This is Dwellingham's first year in the position, and he's looking to lead the team to a district championship.

Peabody (4-4, 2-1) hosts the Bolton Bears tonight at 7.

"I was a free safety last year," said Dwellingham, a second-team all district defensive back last year. "I didn't like leaving the defense because I like defense more than offense. I could always throw the ball. I don't consider myself a leader because winning games is a team effort."

Hicks' choices for quarterback was between Dwellingham and senior running back/defensive back Jaelon Dorsey.

Dwellingham also is a point guard for the Warhorses, which influenced Hicks' decision.

"Before I came here, I knew Peabody had a winning tradition in basketball," Hicks said. "Jequan was on Peabody's basketball championship team. I knew he could throw a football, and I figured his leadership from the basketball team would be an asset. When I coached at North Central, my quarterback, Markel Chambers, was on the basketball team."

Dwellingham considers basketball a mental sport.

"What helps our football team is that most guys are on our powerlifting team," he said. "I just transfer the hard work and lessons (Warhorses' head basketball) coach Charles Smith taught to the football field. I enjoy playing both sports."

His first throw for Hicks was for 65 yards during practice.

Both he and Hicks agree that his best performance was his 300 passing yards in the Warhorses' 40-36 win against Haynesville.

Dwellingham has passed for 1,056 yards for 15 touchdowns this season.

"We were down, 22-6, at halftime, and Coach just told us to play more aggressive," Dwellingham said. "That game showed me I have what it takes to win."

Dwellingahm's strength is his toughness, Hicks said. Hicks wants Dwellingham to learn how to read defenses better.