There are plenty of question marks for Marian’s team this fall.

Can it get over the hump and get a winning record?

Can it survive a schedule that features opening with a veteran Schuylkill Haven squad and then comes a tough Minersville squad in Week 2?

Can it cash in on a splendid group of athletes and combine them with young players?

Can it steady an offense that has been like a yo-yo over the past three seasons?

Stan Dakosty, the veteran coach, always talks positively. It doesn’t matter if it’s the preseason, game one or game 10, he finds positives even after a loss.

But this time around, it is a crucial turning point for this program.

There are few easy wins on the schedule; after the aforementioned weeks one and two, the Colts go to Catasauqua, an unknown Sayre, a trip to play Nativity at North Schuylkill High School before clashing with rival Mahanoy Area.

That’s a five-week stretch which can make or break the team. If it wins three of those, it will set the tone for an October run which could elevate the Colts back into the postseason picture.

Dakosty likes to point out that everyone is equal at this stage of the game; “... we’re all undefeated.”

And he hopes the same can be said after 10 weeks for his team.

“Our kids have been playing with great energy,” he said referring to the early preseason workouts. “Our team chemistry is right there; I like our attitude and where we are right now.”

The fact that Marian is a veteran team makes it more interesting this season.

There are 10 seniors who have played a lot of football: Nearly all for four seasons.

“It was kind of like a leap-of-faith for them when I took over,” Dakosty pointed out alluding to his return to the program. “There was 10 of them who stuck with the program ... and most of our juniors are three-year starters. (So) if we’ve got the experience and now, they’ve got to become more consistent.”

The Colts hurt themselves numerous times over the last three season, committing untimely turnovers and miscues.

Fumbles, mental mistakes and blown plays were the problem. Dakosty says “inconsistency” has plagued the team. However, this club will be better and focused with the consistent positives, he said.

Marian lost two standout players who carried the payload on both sides of the ball, including a terrific two-way standout running back/linebacker Matty Martin who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards.

Dakosty always finds positives and it is no different this time around.

“We were not a bad football team last year; look at where we came from. When I came back, I thought it would take two or three years to get this (program) back,” he said. “We’re not there yet. I thought we were competitive in every game but one last year - now we’ve got to take that step. And be prepared to play four quarters. Be mature to a point of handling the ups and downs of a football game. I think that maturity is there, we’re a good enough football team to handle that.”

Dakosty and his staff agreed on what is necessary to kick the season off.

“We discussed this as a staff and agree; we’ve got to be fifth-game ready. That’s how we’re looking at the start.”

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS

No lack of experience here. If there is a huge plus for this team, it is at this position. Dakosty perked up at the thought of veterans Dylan Rodino (jr) and senior leader Bruce Hopeck. They both have started in games so whoever gets that consistency under control will be the go-to guy.

RUNNING BACKS

Look for the Colts to try and get speedy senior Jayden Firmin the ball. If he gets to the edge he can burn a defense. Last season he rushed for 155 yards, having to fill-in for Martin and playing outside as a receiver. This time he is the full-time go-to workhorse. Dakosty moved James Rodino from center to fullback, Rodino has size at 6-3, 233, he’s tough, athletic and powerful. Marian is hoping to get reps from another quick back in junior Braydon Segilla (5-7, 152). Freshman Jason Ashfield (5-10, 196) could surprise down the road.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The corps of receivers will be solid, but the biggest of them all is junior Michael Gelatko. At 6-4, 230 he is very imposing, very athletic and a “moose” if you will. Gelatko is a pure athlete and can shit from tight end to slot to wide receiver. Last fall he latched onto 14 passes, scored four touchdowns running up solid numbers with 276 yards. His ability to churn out after-the-catch yardage makes him even more lethal. Gelatko will handle the punting duties with is strong leg. Backing up Gelatko at tight end finds junior Charlie Hower (6-0, 172). There are potential touchdown makers in seniors Michael Silliman, Nova McGuire, Dylan Zullo and Brandon Klitsch, and junior Michale Johnson.

OFFENSIVE LINE

With the switch of Jesse Rodino to fullback, veteran junior Julian Hermany (6-0, 220) gets bumped to the key position on the line. The big horse and a very rugged player senior James Rodino (6-3, 233). Rodino will lead the way at guard. Also, on the interior line there’s junior Zach Holt (5-11, 215), senior JT Price (6-0, 205). Adding depth at the tackle finds juniors Mason Soult (6-1, 225) and veteran starter Aiden Mikovits (6-0, 250). In the mix to for playing time finds junior Brady Datchko.

DEFENSIVE LINE

The Colts use a “42” defensive scheme, the four down linemen find the veteran group of offensive linemen flipping around. There’s the standout Rodino’s, James and Jesse, with Mikovits, Price, Soult and Hermany.

LINEBACKERS

Holt is a veteran and will be playing alongside “newbie” Hower and Datchko. Joey Walko was a mainstay along with Martin. Holt has experience and will lean on the new faces in the crowd.,

SECONDARY

The secondary can be good is the way Dakosty has assessed things during the “official” one-week of camp. Gelatko is in the secondary and is referred to as the “strong” and can walk-up as an extra-LB in this scheme. Silliman, Klitsch, Johnson, Firmin, Zullo. Veteran Kayden Cash is the kicker.