The horse is still there; the saddle, too.

But now there is a new guy in charge.

No longer is legendary mentor Stan Dakosty holding the reins. It’s in the hands of William “Billy” O’Gurek.

O’Gurek is part of the “family affair” at Marian, which once ruled the gridiron roost. The program never backed away from playing bigger schools — from Hazleton, to Pottsville and one-time granddaddy, Mount Carmel.

And it won more times than naught.

“He was my mentor, a guy who coached me, a guy who showed me how to be a coach,” O’Gurek said about Dakosty. “Yes, I know how successful he was ... but coach gave me so much opportunity.”

“Listen, this isn’t about me, it’s all about the program,” the first-year mentor said. “The kids and the coaching staff are all on the same page, we’re working to sustain success. We’ve got some players that can compete, and we’ve got some young players that we hope will step up as the season moves forward.”

O’Gurek says everyone knows what is needed to get better.

“We do the little things, and the big things take care of themselves,” O’Gurek said. “I feel that I’m prepared, being an assistant here so long (seven years) … coach Dakosty has helped me over the last four years (to get ready).”

The numbers are positive, with 40 out for the team.

“We’ve got a good group, they’ve got energy, they’ve got passion, and our leadership from the (upperclassmen) has been outstanding, not just during the (camp) but in the offseason, in the weight room. Coach Hack (JD Hackenberg) did a great job,” said O’Gurek.

“Our basketball program has been a plus, our baseball team has been outstanding in a lot of ways, and that helps with our football players because a number of them play the other sports.”

Marian needs to find replacements for six starters on both sides of the ball, including the Rodino twins — Jesse and James. In addition, four defensive backs graduated. However, the trenches are solid with four starters returningon both offense and defense.

But as all coaches will tell you, defense is the key to success on the gridiron. Marian had a plus-5 turnover ration in 2023. It averaged 19 points per game while yielding just 13.8.

Marian will look to its super two-way standout Mike Gelatko. The 6-4, 230-pound senior — now in his fourth season starting — will be a force on both sides of the ball. Gelatko is headed to Division 1 Buffalo, having committed earlier this summer. He has flexibility on both sides of the ball.

The Colts can flex him into several receiving roles from tight end to wideout, and even in the slot. Gelatko is a terror on defense, as well. He also handles the punting chores.

Besides Gelatko, Marian has a terrific sophomore running back in Rory Dixon — who rushed for 948 yards and eight touchdowns. He is bigger and stronger as he enters his second season, as he helped Marian finish with a 7-5 record.

“He has all the tools to be very good,” said his coach. “He was very impressive as a freshman, came up big for us down the stretch which helped us get into the playoffs. We are excited to watch him this season. And he will play both ways. He’ll be one of our starting defensive backs. The nice thing is he has experience … you can’t teach that.”

“I told our guys, we want to be playing meaningful football come October,” O’Gurek said. “If we get to week 7, 8, 9 and 10 and playing meaningful football game, then our goals are (attainable).”

The goal is surely within grasp, since the Colts are one of only three teams District 11 Class 1A, which also has Nativity and Tri-Valley. The three will be in a sub-regional with District 2. There are six schools in the mix, with four making the playoffs.

“Team’s bumped up because of the new enrollment figures that came out for this season,” O’Gurek said. “If we get there, we will be in good shape.”

Marian will compete during the regular season in Division C of the Colonial-Schuylkill League. It opens at home with its only non-league game, Hanover, before traveling in Week 2 to face Tri-Valley.

“Certainly, I’m excited,” O’Gurekaid. “Marian football has great tradition, and I learned from the best coach (Dakosty). I’m very honored to take things over, and I feel I’m prepared thanks to coach.”

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Marian Position Breakdown

QUARTERBACKS

The QB position will have a new kid at the throttle but a familiar name in Dylan Rodino, brother of departed twins Jesse and James. He saw limited playing time last fall behind Bruce Hopeck, who threw for 1340 yards. Also in the mix are junior Nick Shigo and promising freshman Gregory Tirpak, while another freshman Matt Spino could emerge as time goes forward.

RUNNING BACKS

Rory Dixon is the feature back. He was a huge surprise in 2023 as a freshman churning out 948 yards. He came on strong after senior Matt Martin was felled by injury. Look out for junior Jah Bushati, another Rodino in junior Damian, sophomore Jason Ashfield and junior Reece Steibler.

WIDE RECEIVERS

The cupboard is slightly bare after the departure of several good receivers including Nova McGuire (13-355), Jesse Rodino (16-244), Brandon Klitsch (8-181) and Mike Silliman (7-121). That group combined for 10 touchdowns. Back is Mike Gelatko (23 catches, 381 yds). As for the other spots, look for seniors Charles Hower, Michael Johnson and Gio Fleming, along with sophomore Nolan Marsch to see action. Two players that will provide depth at tight end are sophomores Dominick Rodino and Rocco Griguoli.

OFF/DEF LINE

The Colts will be seasoned here with four returning starters on both sides of the ball. There’s seniors Aidan Milkovits, Zach Holt and Julian Hermany along with Gelatko. Several other candidates find seniors Ashton Sullivan, Mason Soult, Sam Turrano and Connor Rehnert. Keep an eye on two sophomores — Billy Ebert and Walker Sheer.

LINEBACKERS

Dixon will vacate this position and bumps to the secondary, and the Colts are also looking to drop Gelatko into this position in certain situations. Getting reps are veteran starter Hower, newcomer Bushati, Dominic and Damian Rodino, along with seasoned vets Ashfield and Holt.

SECONDARY

Besides the aforementioned Dixon, who is the lone letterwinner in this group, fresh faces are emerging. Johnson, a senior, gets a crack, along with juniors Hunter Sartori and Reece Steibler. There are also sophomores Marsch and Brett McGuire.