Colin McEniry did not expect his final football season at Marmion Academy to unfold like this. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, the senior had made a name as the CCL/ESCC Red’s Offensive Player of the Year in the previous fall. Ivy, Patriot, and Pioneer league coaches showed interest, requesting his performance footage from the initial weeks of this season.
However, four days before the season opener, Marmion’s plans shifted. Sophomore Andrew Saltijeral, slated to start as quarterback, faced a noncontact injury. This unexpected change left McEniry in unfamiliar territory. “I was super freaking out,” he confessed, confronted with taking on the quarterback role. His only prior experience at quarterback was during childhood flag football games. Even during his youth football days, he played as a receiving tight end.
When last year’s starter transferred, McEniry practiced taking snaps in summer workouts to fill in as a backup and hone his skills. Coaches questioned Saltijeral’s readiness but eventually deemed him prepared, only for the injury to alter plans. McEniry’s dual role as a linebacker was demanding, and filling in as quarterback added pressure.
Adam Guerra, Marmion’s coach, remarked, “We’re putting our best athlete and smartest player at quarterback. He knows the offense and everyone’s role.” Despite this, McEniry worried about his college prospects and the needed game footage.
McEniry’s transition felt daunting at first. He recalled being removed from special teams and defensive play to reduce risk of injury, despite remaining uninjured for two years. The initial practice challenged him, achieving just two completions out of twelve throws.
Despite a rocky start, McEniry and the Cadets have adjusted. They faced a narrow 23-21 loss to Racine Lutheran but secured a 34-14 victory against Lincoln Park, a playoff contender from the previous season. “I was super nervous the first game,” McEniry admitted. “But after a 15-play, 80-yard drive ending in a touchdown, I felt confident.”
As a starter in basketball, McEniry displayed leadership consistently since his sophomore year, focusing on defense and teamwork. “I’m more vocal and the glue guy,” he mentioned, highlighting his role in basketball beyond scoring.
So far, McEniry has completed 14 of 24 passes, with 58 yards and a touchdown in the opening game; he enhanced his performance with a touchdown pass and a rushing touchdown against Lincoln Park. “Colin is the ultimate team leader,” Guerra praised. “He performed well last Friday. We can build on that.”
Self-evaluation is crucial for McEniry. “I rush some throws,” he admitted. “Watching film shows our line is doing great. I can extend time in the pocket and must limit turnovers.” The Cadets face a challenging schedule in the CCL Purple this year, though expanded playoff slots are encouraging.
“We can definitely turn some heads,” McEniry asserted, despite taking on a different role from wide receiver.
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