MAHANOY CITY — The Marian Colts achieved a significant milestone on October 6, 2023, securing a 35-13 victory over the Mahanoy Area Bears. This win marks the Colts’ first 5-0 start since 2006, a feat that thrilled head coach Billy O’Gurek but also prompted him to emphasize the need for improved performance as tougher opponents loom ahead.
Despite dominating the game, O’Gurek acknowledged areas for improvement. “It’s always good to be 5-0, but we still have stuff to work on,” he stated. The Colts displayed notable talent, particularly from senior Jake Tom, who amassed 165 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns. One of these touchdowns came from a stunning 65-yard connection with quarterback Gregory Tirpak.
The Colts took control early, with junior running back Rory Dixon scoring twice in the first half. Defensive back Dante Tate made an impact as well, intercepting two passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown, further solidifying Marian’s lead. The Colts capitalized on the Bears’ mistakes, converting four turnovers into points.
The Bears, now 0-5, struggled throughout the game. New head coach Mick Connolly expressed frustration at his team’s inability to maintain possession. “We keep finding ways to shoot ourselves in the foot each and every week,” he noted, highlighting the need for his young squad to improve their consistency and execution.
Marian’s first score came during a well-executed opening drive. Dixon powered through for an 8-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful extra point from Tom, putting the Colts ahead 7-0. The Colts maintained momentum, scoring three additional touchdowns in the second quarter, including a 10-yard run from Dixon and Tate’s interception return.
Mahanoy Area did not back down easily. They managed to respond with two touchdowns in the final quarter, including a 51-yard run from Kyler Quick. However, their efforts were too little, too late, as the Colts’ defense continued to stifle their advances.
As the season progresses, Marian is focused on refining their performance. The Colts will face a challenging three-week stretch ahead, beginning with a matchup against Minersville, followed by games against state-ranked Schuylkill Haven and Williams Valley. “We know we have a big game coming up,” O’Gurek said, acknowledging the road ahead.
With their current form, the Colts are optimistic about their postseason prospects but remain committed to addressing their inconsistency. As O’Gurek emphasized, “When we execute, we’ve got some playmakers who can do some nice things.”
The Colts’ ability to adapt and improve in the coming weeks will be crucial as they aim for a successful season in the Colonial-Schuylkill League.