For Pasadena Maranatha’s Andrew Elffers, it’s a whole new ballgame

It has been a summer for learning a new offense and getting used to new coaches for the state’s most prolific sophomore quarterback from a year ago, Andrew Elffers of Pasadena Maranatha.

He passed for 3,328 yards and 37 touchdowns while throwing mostly from a shotgun formation.

The new coach, Peter Karavedas, a 27-year-old former defensive coordinator at Whittier Christian, hired Mike Owens, a former Van Nuys High and Oregon quarterback, to install a West Coast passing scheme, in which the quarterback takes the snap from under center, looks for quick releases and must make pinpoint passes.

The move is supposed to prepare the 6-foot-3, 195-pound Elffers for the college level, and so far, he’s making a smooth adjustment.

“I’m trying to be very coachable because I know they know what’s best for me,” he said. “I have to take in the advice and work on whatever is needed.”

If there were a casting call for a teenager to play the role of standout quarterback for a movie, Elffers would easily win the part and not need a stand-in for the passing scenes.

He can talk the talk and deliver. He’s a genuine team player who acts the part of leader and knows the intricacies required of the quarterback position.

“I’m ready to work my hardest and give my all to my team,” he said. “I want my fundamentals to be of a DI-caliber quarterback.”

Karavedas said there’s nothing fake about Elffers’ work ethic and attitude.

“Most 6-3 kids who can sling it aren’t the most humble of individuals. He’s incredibly humble and a team guy and a phenomenal leader,” Karavedas said.

Elffers lives in Arcadia and followed an older brother and sister to Maranatha, appreciating the school’s Christian-based education. He was a tight end-linebacker in youth football because of his size, then switched to quarterback when he reached high school.

“I love watching football,” he said. “I’m a student of the game. When I see a good quarterback, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, I’m just watching and seeing what I can take from them and put into my game. They’re great leaders.”

What’s clear is that Elffers is a quarterback to watch during the next two seasons in Southern California. He truly understands what it takes to play the position.

“I love the challenges,” he said. “Some challenges are, throw a pick and how are you going to come back from it? Are you going to ponder about it and let it get into your head? That’s not my personality. If I throw a pick, it’s, ‘I’m going to get them back.’”

eric.sondheimer@latimes.com