Backup Colin McGaw overcomes nerves, Cocalico in Warwick debut
2025 Berks football coverage presented by
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(This story was produced by LNP/Lancasteronline, and published in partnership with MikeDragoSports.com.)
By Jason Guarente — LNP/Lancasteronline
LITITZ — Hours before his first varsity start, Warwick’s backup quarterback texted one of his teammates with a confession.
Colin McGaw was nervous. Of course he was nervous. What kid wouldn’t be under these circumstances?
| Final | |
| Warwick | 38 |
| Cocalico | 8 |
The funny part was no one else on the Warriors seemed the least bit concerned. Everyone wearing red and black believed the sophomore was ready for his moment.
McGaw rewarded that faith by completing 11-of-16 passes for 202 yards and three touchdowns. Warwick defeated Cocalico 38-8 in a Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 3 game at Lititz on Friday night.
“I’ve seen the work he has put in,” said Heath Schnipke, who was on the other end of that text. “I’ve seen his potential. I’ve seen what he can do. He proved me right. He went out there and showed it.”
The butterflies flew away during Warwick’s initial drive.
McGaw connected with Rowen Greenway for a 29-yard touchdown on fourth-and-10. From there, it felt like any other game to the fill-in QB1.
Warwick viewed McGaw as its quarterback of the future. The coaching staff hoped to get him some experience this season.
“He’s very cerebral,” head coach Bob Locker said. “He takes reps in practice and pays attention. He’s got a good arm. We thought it’d be nice to get a sophomore a little bit of work. Get him ready for next year.”
Then, as Locker put it: “Life has its own plans sometimes.”
Thomas Myers was injured during Warwick’s loss to Solanco last week. The senior starter is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks. That meant McGaw had to put on his helmet. McGaw said Myers was a huge help during preparation.
Schnipke helped the varsity rookie ease into action by churning up big gains behind an overpowering offensive line. Warwick’s sophomore had the first 16 carries.
“The line creates great holes and I’m not getting hit behind the line of scrimmage,” Schnipke said. “It feels more like I’m hitting kids than getting hit. I just love it. I run off adrenaline. I feel like I could keep going forever.”
No workload seems too heavy for Schnipke, who finished with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts.
“He’s a dude,” Locker said. “He’s durable. He runs hard.”
Warwick (1-1, 4-1) entered the season with three reliable backs. One is injured and one is no longer on the team. There’s no choice but to lean on Schnipke, who doesn’t mind in the least.
“I love it,” Schnipke said. “I love not having the pressure of someone else coming on me and knowing I’m the guy. I can do my thing. Even if I have a bad play, I know I can forget it and find a crease on the next play.”
Schnipke’s 12-yard TD run in the second quarter put Warwick ahead 17-0 at halftime. McGaw connected on TD strikes of 36 yards to Tyler Musser and 34 yards to Grant Lugar to seal it in the second half.
The first sign that it could be a long night for Cocalico came during warmups when Dane Horning wasn’t wearing shoulder pads. The fullback was out with an injury.
The second bad sign for the Eagles came when Warwick, with Horning not at middle linebacker, was able to run the ball at will.
Horning is the team leader in tackles at 10.8 per game and rushing yards at 125.5 per game. The 5-7, 190-pound senior is just about irreplaceable.
Cocalico (1-1, 1-4) has no shortage of Hornings. Logan, Dane’s younger brother, took over at fullback and rushed for 105 yards. It wasn’t enough to keep pace with Warwick.
After his first start was over, and his first win was secure, McGaw stood under the bleachers with the game ball tucked under his right arm.
It was a reward he’ll cherish.
“It’ll probably go in my room on my shelf,” McGaw said. “I’ll look at it every night before I go to sleep. Wishing for another one.”
There will be plenty of chances. The sophomore is just getting started.
