After a 16-year co-op program with East Juniata, Midd-West high school traveled to Hometown to take on Marian Catholic in its first ever football game in program history.

While one brand-new program took the field for the first time, Marian opened the 2018 season with its 700th in school history. How would Midd-West respond to all of the anticipation?

The Mustangs took the ball and went fourteen plays for 80 yards and seven quick points.

That opening drive set the tone for the rest of the game as the Mustangs charged to a 43-20 non-league victory over Colts.

“They typically have good football teams,” said Midd-West head coach Brad Hatter. “We knew we were going to have to play a physical football game and I challenged our kids to do that — and for the most part we did.”

If you want to talk physical, look no further than Mustangs’ fullback Trey Lauver. The sophomore made his presence felt on both sides of the ball, bulldozing his way through the Colts early in the game, while racking up 124 yards on the ground.

“The physicality that he brings — that’s what football is to me,” Hatter said. “It’s a physical game and he brings that. I’m pleased with his effort. We were very vanilla last week in the scrimmage and he didn’t get as many carries as he normally would, but he made up for that tonight.”

Marian quarterback Mason Miller hooked up with senior Keith McCall for an 11-yard score with 10:32 left in the second quarter to even things up.

However, the Colts wouldn’t pick up their next first down until the 26-second mark of the third frame.

“I think we did a lot of nice things for about a quarter-and-a-half,” said Marian head coach Pat Morgans. “But they just outmatched our physicality. They had a good game plan. They came in and spread us out. We have to find the answers to some questions, and we will.”

Along with Lauver, seniors Marc Piccioni and Kameron Kline paved the way for the Mustangs throughout the contest.

In the second quarter, Kline took a pitch 39 yards to the house to break the early tie. Piccioni, the quarterback, hit Kline in stride down the sideline for a 24-yard score later in the quarter. Piccioni then added an impressive 14-yard scamper right before halftime, giving Midd-West a commanding 27-7 advantage.

“They’ve been tremendous,” said Hatter of his seniors. “For everything that they’ve gone through — they weren’t even sure if they’d have football this year. Not only do they have it, but we were able to come out and beat a good football team on the road and really play well.”

The Colts tagged on two fourth quarter TDs. Zach Boyer scored on a five-yard run and Colin Hasara made a two-yard plunge as the final sirens went off.

ALL OVER THE FIELD … The Colts had a trio of tackling machines. Nick Falls recorded 20, Zach Boyer had 14, and Nick Goff tallied 13.

TO BE EXACT … The opening Piccioni two-yard quarterback keeper with 6:26 left in the first quarter will forever stand in Mustang history as the program’s first touchdown.

OFFENSIVE STANDOUT … Marian’s Matt Doherty made some impressive runs, which included a 40-yard burst in the first frame. He finished with 105 yards on the ground.