In a commanding performance, the Marian High School Colts triumphed over the Mahanoy Area Golden Bears with a score of 35-13 on September 29, 2023. This victory marked the Colts’ first 5-0 start since 2006, a feat that left head coach Billy O’Gurek elated yet cautious about the challenges ahead as the season progresses.
While the Colts maintained control throughout the game, O’Gurek emphasized the need for improved execution and consistency as the team approaches tougher matchups. “It’s always good to be 5-0, but we still have stuff to work on,” he remarked. The coach attributed some of the inconsistency to the youth of his squad, noting, “When we execute, we’ve got some playmakers who can do some nice things.”
The Colts showcased their offensive prowess, particularly through senior Jake Tom, who amassed 165 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns. Tom’s contributions included a spectacular 65-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Gregory Tirpak and a 53-yard run during a unique “rugby play.” Tirpak completed 7 of 9 passes for 169 yards, while junior Rory Dixon added two rushing touchdowns in the first half. Defensive back Dante Tate, despite being one of the smaller players on the team, made a significant impact with two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown.
Mahanoy Area struggled to find rhythm, suffering from a total of six turnovers, four of which directly contributed to Marian’s scoring opportunities. “We’re not going to beat anybody turning the ball over like that,” said Mick Connolly, Mahanoy Area’s first-year head coach. His team, now at 0-5, is working through the growing pains of a young roster.
Marian opened the game strong, with a well-executed offensive series leading to Dixon’s first touchdown on an 8-yard run. Tom’s successful extra point kick put the Colts ahead 7-0. Dixon’s performance was notable, as he rushed for 30 yards in the opening drive alone but ended the night with only 49 yards total.
O’Gurek acknowledged the need for greater consistency, stating, “No, no, we weren’t consistent enough. Even in our passing game, we flashed a little bit, but we still held the ball a little bit too long.” This lack of focus was evident as Marian’s offense had moments of brilliance but also faced challenges in maintaining momentum.
The second quarter saw the Colts capitalize on Mahanoy Area’s mistakes. After recovering a fumble, the Colts scored twice more, first through Dixon’s 10-yard run and then a 30-yard interception return by Tate, extending their lead to 21-0. Mahanoy Area finally responded with a touchdown from Kyler Quick and a 28-yard pass from freshman quarterback JD Kowalchick to Damian Contreras, but their efforts were hampered by turnovers.
As the game progressed, Marian managed to score once more through Tom’s fake punt run, showcasing his quickness and agility. Despite Mahanoy Area’s efforts to rally in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns, the Colts’ early lead proved insurmountable.
Looking ahead, the Colts are preparing for a challenging stretch in their schedule, beginning with a game against Minersville and followed by encounters with state-ranked teams Schuylkill Haven and Williams Valley. O’Gurek remains optimistic but aware of the need for improvement, stating, “We know we have a big game coming up. We also know we have some things to work on.”
The Colts’ win not only reflects a strong start to the season but also sets the stage for what they hope will be a championship run. As they continue to build upon their successes, the focus remains on refining their game and maintaining the momentum of their impressive start.
