Marian is guaranteed its first winning season since 2015, as the Colts come into Friday night’s District 11 1A semifinal matchup against Tri-Valley as the No. 2 seed and with a 6-4 record. Marian will host the always tough-running Bulldogs at Men of Marian stadium, trying to avenge a loss to TV in Week 9 of the regular season, and return to a district title game for the first time since 2016.

“It feels great to once again be in position to advance to a district title game, but we’re obviously just not happy to be here, we worked hard to get here, and credit to our players and my coaching staff for helping to put us in this position,” said Marian head coach Stand Dakosty. “Two main goals going into this season was to have a winning record and to host a playoff game. We have accomplished those goals, but we want to continue to accomplish even more and get better as a football team each day.”

The Colts narrowly lost to the No. 3 seeded Bulldogs (6-4) just a few weeks ago, 16-6. Marian actually out-gained Tri-Valley 225 to 184 in total yards, but the Colts had some struggles in the red zone and weren’t able to finish off a few potential scoring drives.

“That is something we definitely need to clean up this time around. We had the ball inside their five-yard line twice, and we weren’t able to come away with points,” said Dakosty. “So, it’s very simple, we need to finish. In a game like that, which came down to the wire, you have to be able to finish off those drives, so we have to make sure that when we have those types of opportunities against a good opponent, that we take advantage.”

This matchup will once again feature two teams that like to run the football. Freshman Rory Dixon has done a great job in his first season of varsity football for the Colts, as he leads the team with 819 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

Tri-Valley’s top running back Noah Porter has been out with an injury, and the Bulldogs have turned to Cole Gemberling (398 yards, four TDs), Kash Tobin (506 yards, six TDs) and quarterback Blake Schwartz to lead their rushing attack. Schwartz ran the ball well for TV last week, rushing for 98 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to Williams Valley. The Bulldogs also struggled to stop the run last week, giving up 297 yards rushing to the Vikings.

“Our defense was pretty effective against their rushing attack last time, so we just need to bring that same physical approach this time around as well. I’m sure they will make some adjustments, as will we coming into the game,” said Dakosty. “We just can’t give up the big-run play. We need to come out and try and control the line of scrimmage. They also ran their quarterback last week with success, so that’s a new wrinkle to their offense that we are going to need be ready for.”

The Colts have been at their best this season when they have been able to establish the run early, but also when they have been able to mix in timely passes when utilizing the play-action passing game. Veteran quarterback Bruce Hopeck has been solid, throwing for 1,090 yards and eight touchdowns. His favorite target has been one of the more talented tight ends in the area in the 6-4 Michael Gelatko, who has hauled in 17 catches for 303 yards and a touchdown.

“The key for us on offense is to just play more consistent, and obviously finish off drives. We have come out in some games recently and started really well, but then we have kind of stalled at times,” said Dakosty. “We just need to keep the momentum going on offense, and take care of the football.”