Seniors graduate every year, but when the quarterback of two years leaves, things may feel a little weird for the team. Senior Ethan Garwood (‘18) had been Colonial Forge’s quarterback for four years, and it was time someone filled his spot.

After moving and the resulting redistricting, new starting quarterback Madden Lowe (‘20) came to Forge from Riverbend High School this past summer and was unaware of the place he would take on the team when he arrived.*

“I was definitely a little scared, because I have never transferred before, but I also had a good gut feeling about it and I had a lot of ambition. [Transitioning] wasn’t really that hard at all. I felt welcomed and accepted by everyone on the team and staff as soon as I came here. The plays and techniques took time to learn but the process was smooth,” Lowe said.

On Friday September 21, Colonial Forge faced Riverbend. The game was a 35-0 win for Forge, but it was more than just a game for Lowe.

“It was definitely weird playing against guys I used to play with, but it was very competitive,” Lowe said. “I expected us to play better than we did because we hold ourselves to high expectations, but we still won.”

During the first half of the game, the Riverbend student section was chanting “Traitor” and “Go Home Madden” in hopes to throw him off.

“It didn’t really bother me at all. It made the environment hostile, but I like to think I strive in those situations because it gives me motivation. You can’t let your emotions get to you too much. When you do, you’ll make mistakes, but when you don’t you’ll stay focused on the task and your job,” Lowe added.

The student section responded by chanting “We Love Madden,” and “Madden Football”.

* By rule of VHSL, transfers on sports teams may not play a season until they have attended the school for 365 calendar days unless the transfer was due to a move or other situation.