Connection between Petoskey's McCarthy, Marek shining after record-setting night
PETOSKEY — More than any other position on the football field, the relationship between a quarterback and his receivers is one that has to be strong.
For Petoskey quarterback Joe McCarthy and wideout Seth Marek, that bond goes deep. All the way to playground days and their first times putting on the pads.
And that chemistry is certainly showing in 2023.
While they’ve had some big moments together on the field – including in the season-opener – McCarthy and Marek saved their best for Friday’s home opener at Northmen Stadium.
Hosting Escanaba, the duo put on an offensive display for the packed house, teaming up to break and set multiple Petoskey records and inch closer to others.
They connected nine times for 204 yards and two touchdowns, which included an electrifying 87-yard strike that melted any hopes the Eskymos had in a 29-0 game in the second quarter.
For both, hard work is beginning to pay off.
“It’s the best feeling,” said Marek. “This is what we’ve worked for and I think we’re starting to see our potential. That’s Coach (Levi) Manor. A shoutout to him. That’s his training. It’s top notch and so much different than last year.”
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It’s also offseason work on the field, with Marek running routes and McCarthy getting his timing down with his teammate and friend.
“Seth and I, ever since he was a freshman, we’ve been throwing every offseason,” said McCarthy. “We threw at least once a week every week during the offseason and that’s how we’ve built such great connection. We know each other and know how to adjust to each other and it’s a great connection.”
It’s also one that goes all the way back Pop Warner football days, though McCarthy has worked his way into the quarterback job in his later playing days, somewhere he’s always wanted to be.
“It’s really great,” said McCarthy. “Going into the freshman year I didn’t really play quarterback. I was a big boy. So living my dream, getting to play quarterback, it’s been great.”
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McCarthy moved into second all-time in two different Northmen passing categories on Friday. He finished 17-of-18 for 316 yards and two touchdowns, then ran for a score as well.
“It’s great. I think of it like backyard football,” said McCarthy. “You’re just connecting with your friends, your buddies and that’s how you get those kind of stats. But, what matters in the end is that we got the W and a huge win in our first game of the BNC.”
He now sits at second all-time in career passing yards with 2,169, passing Joel Wilson (2016-17) Friday, then his 23 career passing touchdowns are tied with Toby McFarland (1987-89) and behind only Evan Whitmore's (2013-15) 25.
He also holds the season touchdown passing record with 13, set a year ago, along with season completions (92).
Marek’s single-game yards record also came with the No. 1 spot on the career receptions list as only a junior, passing current assistant coach, Jake Lee (2016-17), with 45 career catches.
He also moved into second all-time in career touchdowns (10) and second in career receiving yards (787), trailing only Adam Wells (1993-95).
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For Marek, none of it would be without everyone he’s been around being involved.
“It’s the best feeling,” he said. “It’s just because of the whole team. The line was blocking, giving Joe time and Joe was throwing great balls.”
Proving to be a weapon at 6-foot-2, 190-pounds, Marek introduced himself a bit more to the state with a three-touchdown opener, then Friday’s big performance, while coming off a strong sophomore campaign.
“I’m trying,” he said with a big smile. “I’m trying my best.”
The pair will also try to keep the connection going when Petoskey (2-1) travels to rival Gaylord (3-0) on Friday, Sept. 15 for the annual Jaycees Traveling Trophy rivalry.
Both players have a lot of respect for what the Blue Devils bring to the field and, like their own Pop Warner connections, know many of the Gaylord players well.
“That Gaylord team is really good and I feel like it’ll be a great game on both sides of the ball,” added McCarthy. “They’ve got some boys we’ve been playing since seventh grade and we’ve always been competitive with them.”
Contact Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey's Seth Marek and Joe McCarthy post record-setting night vs. Escanaba
