After years as a quarterback and a successful season as a wide receiver, Colin McGarvey faced a surprisingly difficult decision before his senior season.
Continue in his new position as a pass catcher, where he started to receive some interest from college coaches, or take over as the starting signal caller.
Throughout the summer, during 7-on-7 workouts, McGarvey pondered the decision while balancing time at both jobs. Ultimately, he knew, his return to quarterback was inevitable if Delaware Valley was to return to a championship level.
It took some time, but the 6-foot-1, 160-pounder became comfortable running the Warriors’ high-powered offense. He developed into the most productive quarterback in the Lackawanna Football Conference Division I and, despite a 0-4 start, led the team to the District 2 Class 5A championship.
On Friday, McGarvey and the Warriors (7-5) take on District 6 champion Hollidaysburg (12-0) in the first round of the PIAA playoffs at 7 p.m. at Milton High School Stadium.
“At first, I didn’t know what would be the best decision,” McGarvey said. “I enjoyed playing receiver. I am better at quarterback, and I knew my choice was what was best for the team. I knew what I had to do, and I knew I could count on everyone to help me, and we were going to have a fantastic season.”
A four-year member of the varsity team, McGarvey served as a backup quarterback to Logan Olsommer for two seasons. He attempted one pass and completed it for 12 yards as a sophomore, then made the move to wide receiver.
Last season, he caught 15 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns. Defensively, he had 25 total tackles and two interceptions.
As the season approached, McGarvey made a full commitment to return to quarterback. He sought guidance and lessons from Rylan Pangborn, the owner of Pangborn Passing Academy in New Jersey and the offensive coordinator at Lenape Valley Regional High School.
“It didn’t take me too long to get back into it,” McGarvey said. “I played a lot of offense at receiver, and I knew all the routes and what the receivers were doing and where they would be. I went back to my quarterback trainer, and I worked hard at practice.”
After summer camp, McGarvey made his first start against highly regarded McKeesport, which is playing in the District 7 Class 5A championship game against Aliquippa on Saturday.
“That was nerve-wracking, especially the night before the game,” McGarvey said. “I prepared and I watched a lot more film that week. Early in the season, while I was adjusting, I experienced some turnovers. I figured out the offense, though, and I understand that I just need to do my job.”
In the season opener against McKeesport, he completed 14 of 21 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown, but the Warriors lost, 51-24. The following week, McGarvey completed 17 of 27 for 238 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in a 49-42 loss to Jersey Shore.
Delaware Valley lost to Central York, 46-21, in Week 3, and McGarvey had 135 yards passing and two touchdowns. He had 140 yards and two touchdowns in a heartbreaking 49-44 loss to Scranton Prep in a game his team led, 31-7, in the third quarter.
Following the 0-4 start, McGarvey continued to improve, and he piloted the most explosive offense in the LFC Division I. He threw for 167 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Wallenpaupack that got the team back on track.
In a 55-34 win over Long Island Lutheran, McGarvey had a 200-yard game with two touchdowns, then had 250 yards and four touchdowns in a 41-0 victory over Valley View before the Warriors had their winning streak snapped in a 28-21 loss to North Pocono in overtime.
Delaware Valley recharged its momentum with wins over Scranton in the regular-season finale and Pittston Area in a tight 7-6 battle in the District 2 Class 5A semifinal.
Last week, McGarvey helped Delaware Valley overcome a slow start by erasing deficits of 17-0 and 24-7 in the first half in a 27-24 win over Abington Heights. He finished 11 of 13 for 168 yards and a touchdown. The win avenged last season’s loss to the Comets, ending the Warriors’ run of eight consecutive District 2 championship seasons.
“Right when it was 10-0, I came into the huddle and had a bit of time to talk to the guys,” McGarvey said. “I got through to them and told them that we knew that the defense would give us a chance, so we had to stay focused.”
In his senior year, McGarvey has completed 119 of 195 passes for 1,821 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has also contributed 326 yards rushing with three touchdowns. Delaware Valley averages 374.3 total yards and 32.8 points per game.
“This offense is fun to be a part of,” McGarvey said. “We can run the football with Mike Iuzzolino and Devin Estevez, and that makes it a lot easier for me. I practiced with the receivers all last year, so I am really close with those guys.
“I have had a great time this season.”
Delaware Valley faces a challenge against Hollidaysburg, which is state-ranked by Pennlive.com. Vincent Albarano has six interceptions, and Josh Banks has four. Joseph Richardson has 10 sacks, and Lucas Darnell has four.
“I am really looking forward to this game,” McGarvey said. “I’ve been on the team for four years, and as a freshman and sophomore, I played on special teams. Last year, we didn’t play in the state playoffs, so I can’t wait to have an opportunity to play a bigger role this week.”