Marian’s football team got a good shot of confidence Saturday evening on Homecoming Night - all at the expense of an out-maned Shenandoah Valley squad.

Outside of having a punt blocked early in the contest, there was no turning back for the Colts once they found their stride and gained momentum.

The end result was a 36-0 victory as Stan Dakosty’s team stayed in the hunt for a district playoff berth.

Marian (4-3) now sits in fifth place in the Class 1A rankings, with four teams making the postseason. With two highly-touted teams on the horizon - Williams Valley on Friday and unbeaten Tri-Valley the following week - Coach Dakosty’s outfit is hoping they have turned the corner and can finish the second half strong.

Against the Blue Devils, the only time the Colts looked vulnerable was on their first possession. Their lethargic, lack-luster energy quickly got a jolt when Shenandoah stymied their opening series and forced a punt, which got blocked.

After that, though, Marian dominated. It held Shenandoah to just 55 yards rushing and 62 through the air, while its offense kicked it into gear.

The boss was more than happy with the overall effort, especially the way the defense stifled the Devils and pitched a shutout. He was also pleased with the offense, specifically the 294 rushing yards which came from a number of players.

“We got a little laxed there (with the punt), but we have a lot of respect for Shenandoah with the skill kids they have,” Dakosty said. “I thought we put a complete game together. We have done that all season.”

While the Colts distributed the wealth in the running attack, it was quick-footed junior Jayden Fermin who led the way with 83 yards on 14 carries.

“He’s working hard in practice and we wanted to take a little (load) off Matty (Martin),” Dakosty said about Fermin getting most of the reps, especially since Martin is dealing with some nagging injuries.

Martin was still involved, picking up 77 yards on nine attempts including the game’s first score when he capped off a seven-play 65-yard drive with a 12-yard burst to the end zone.

With just 17 seconds left in the opening quarter, junior speedster Michael Silliman blazed 33 yards to paydirt on a reverse to put Marian in front by a 13-0 margin.

“I’m really happy with the way our kids have played,” said Dakosty. “We’ve got a really good bunch. We’re not there yet, but were getting closer.

“Our coaches are doing a great job with the kids. I can’t say enough about the staff and how they get the (team) ready to play each and every week.”

Marian’s stout defense produced a turnover to set up another score in the second quarter. Fermin picked off a Ben Dempster pass, which led to Bruce Hopeck’s 2-yard tally and a 21-0 advantage.

Martin was the feature back during an impressive eight-play offensive package that resulted in a 75-yard march down field. The senior ripped off a 21-yard run that put the Colts into Shenandoah territory. Moments later, Hopeck cranked up a 29-yard completion to Carsyn Chambers. That set up Martin’s 9-yard jaunt to the end zone.

Martin also added the two-point conversion to give the home team a 29-0 halftime lead.

Dakosty’s club added the finishing touches early in the third frame after the defense recovered a fumble at the Devils’ 36-yard line.

Fermin carried five straight times, but Shenandoah eventually forced a fourth-down situation. Marian went to a perfectly executed screen pass from Hopeck to Joey Walko, who snared the ball and rumbled 14 yards for the final touchdown. Caden Kash added the extra point to set the final number.

MORE THAN RELIABLE … Fermin was impressive, to say the least. He has quickness and keeps his shoulders square. Though he didn’t hit the end zone, the junior is a very complimentary back to Martin.

THEY’VE GOT SKILL … Dakosty, who always finds praise for the opposition, quickly pointed to the Shenandoah Valley skill players - namely quarterback Dempster, and wide receiver Nick Ryan. Running back Hunter Teeter (5-10 215) is also a handful.

UP NEXT ... The Colts travel to Williams Valley on Friday. The Vikings, who bumped up to Class 2A, have a 5-2 record after pulling out a narrow 22-21 victory over Mahanoy Area.