McEniry’s Unexpected Turn as Quarterback in Final Marmion Season

Colin McEniry hadn’t pictured his last football season at Marmion going this way. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, the senior receiver was last year’s offensive player of the year in the CCL/ESCC Red and attracted attention from Ivy, Patriot, and Pioneer league coaches. Before the season started, they wanted to see his game film from the first few weeks. But plans shifted abruptly when sophomore quarterback Andrew Saltijeral was injured shortly before the season opener.

McEniry faced the unexpected task of stepping into the quarterback position, a role he hadn’t played since he was a child in flag football. “I was super nervous,” McEniry admitted when asked to take control of the Marmion offense. His only quarterback experience before this was during some summer workouts, providing practice for his fellow receivers and serving as a backup option.

Coach Adam Guerra believed McEniry was the best candidate for the role despite the challenge of playing out of position while also starting at linebacker. “You’re putting your best athlete, smartest football player at quarterback and counting on him,” Guerra explained. McEniry’s familiarity with the entire offense made him a logical choice.

Concerns about his collegiate prospects lingered in McEniry’s mind. He worried coaches needed his film to evaluate his potential further. However, Guerra reassured him, pointing out that his role demonstrated leadership qualities and a strong team spirit. “It shows you’re a team guy, stepping into the role for the team,” Guerra noted.

Adjusting to the quarterback position wasn’t smooth. “My first full practice, I was off special teams and defense,” McEniry recalled. His initial performance, consisting of limited completions, made him doubt his abilities. Yet, as the season progressed, he improved, contributing to a 34-14 victory over Lincoln Park after a narrow loss to Racine Lutheran.

McEniry’s success wasn’t limited to the football field. As a basketball starter since sophomore year, he demonstrated leadership as a defender and rebounder. “I’m more vocal and the glue guy,” McEniry described his approach on the court.

So far, McEniry completed 14 of 24 passes, scoring touchdowns and improving as a quarterback. “Colin is the ultimate team leader,” Guerra praised, expecting continued progress.

McEniry acknowledged his rapid decision-making and aimed to improve awareness while reducing turnovers. Expanded playoff qualifiers offer the Cadets a chance to excel this season, even with McEniry not playing his usual receiver role. “We can definitely turn some heads,” McEniry expressed confidence in his team’s abilities.