SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The Marian Colts answered several questions Friday night at Rotary Field.

The skeptics were silenced and when the final seconds ticked off the scoreboard, the Colts scored an important victory to start the season.

Riding the terrific running of senior Matty Martin, the superb blocking of fullback Joey Walko and tackle Rawlin Melendez, the Colts rung up an impressive 21-7 victory over Schuylkill Haven.

There were questions if Marian really was back on track after a late 2021 season ending surge, which produced four straight wins. Veteran coach Stan Dakosty never had doubts in which the direction the program is headed.

“We are one-and-oh,” he said with a smile.

Mostly thanks to the way the offensive line opened holes and Martin bobbed-and-weaved his way en route to 171 yards rushing on 27 carries and three touchdowns. He scored his first on a 3-yard run to give Marian its first lead; scored on 4-yard burst up the middle to put the Colts in front for good late in the third period, and capped things off with a 14-yard juke into the end zone to seal the verdict with 51 seconds to play.

Walko was no slouch either, gaining 42 yards on 9 carries, including some key runs. Marian gained 223 yards rushing.

Marian overcame a miscue late in the first half when it lost a fumble deep in its own end of the field.

The defense held the Hurricanes and Marian’s Jessie Rodino blocked Reese Felty’s field goal attempt.

“That was the turning point in the game,” Dakosty said.

The missed field goal seemed to deflate Schuylkill Haven and the Colts came out of the locker room for the second half with a bounce in their step.

“Our kids played really well today,” Dakosty said. “Actually, we hurt ourselves (in the first half). But this year we have the ability to overcome (those mistakes). The fumble showed how we can rise to the occasion in a tough spot.”

Marian’s defense had to keep two solid Haven runners in check – Aiden Myers and frosh Nico Carestia. Carestia was sensational in his break-out game rushing for 99 yards, Myers had 94 yards.

Marian kept the Hurricanes out of the end zone, aided by three Haven penalties.

“Our offensive line took control,” Dakosty said. “We ran hard, and the way Martin can get you yards, we know that we have quality with him and the way our line blocks we’re only going to get better.”

The line opened holes on Marian’s third possession of the game. The Colts marched 80 yards in 10 plays. Martin had a 39-yard run and capped the drive with a three-yard TD run. The extra point was blocked.

Haven answered, knocking off a 64-yard drive with Carestia zipping the final 41 yards for a touchdown and Felty’s kick gave the Hurricanes a 7-6 lead.

The Marian defense shut down the Hurricanes and a 24-yard drive in the third quarter gave the Colts the lead for good. Martin scampered 14 yards and Walko then carried the ball to the 4. Martin scored from there and then ran in the two-point conversion for a 14-7 lead.

Martin put the game away with his 14-yard run late in the fourth quarter and Caden Kash added the PAT.

“He’s one solid back, isn’t he” Dakosty said.

NO DOUBTS … Despite some miscues, Marian’s defense played well. There were too many standouts to mention.

THANKS … Dakosty rattled off his entire coaching staff – Chink Connely, J.D. Hackenberg, Jim McHugh, Billy O’Gurek, Josh Skotek, He said they made it work.

WHOA NELLIE!!!... Teams are going to have their hands full trying to block Melendez, Walko and Martin, the latter two linebackers. They stack one side and turn it loose.

IMPRESSIVE INDEED … Martin for sure on Marian’s side with his nifty runs. How about the young frosh from Haven; Carestia can zip with his quick feet.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN … Marian visits Minersville next Friday.