WILLIAMSTOWN – Two-time defending District 11 champion Williams Valley has become a thorn in the side of Marian.

The Vikings ended Marian’s season, 17-0, on Saturday in the Class 1A semifinals.

The Colts just can’t seem to find the way to take down the Vikings, who now have eliminated them from the tournament over the last three seasons.

Marian (4-7) came a long way since late August, regrouping from a horrible start, to win four of their last five coming into the game.

The Marian defense, which was stingy throughout, kept the game well within reach as the Colts trailed just 3-0 in the fourth quarter.

But the Colts couldn’t take advantage of it as they shot themselves in the foot far too often. They were also had their hands full trying to block two very aggressive physical WV players — Frizan Ali and Spencer Dimon.

“(Williams Valley) did an awesome job,” said second year Marian coach Pat Morgans praising the winners. “We had opportunities ... but whether it was turnovers, penalties, or whatever the case, we couldn’t cash in. We also had our troubles trying to block Dimon and Ali.”

Williams Valley (9-2) took a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter on Chet Pesta’s 25-yard field goal. The winners foiled Marian three times in the second quarter. The Colts ignited a drive from their own 32 when quarterback Mason Miller hit Dakota Streisel with a 24-yard completion. On the next play, Marian was called for a hold, but Miller came back with a 25-yard strike to Matt Doherty down to the Vikings’ 15.

Two plays later, Jesse Engle picked off a pass dooming the threat.

Moments later Streisel returned the favor with a pick of his own. The Colts started to heat up the offense again with a 21-yard completion from Miller to Keith McCall at the 26. But Dame Fortune killed yet another scoring opportunity with a fumble at the 11.

Before the half closed, Marian was stirring the pot for a third time. The Colts looked like they had a 20-yard touchdown on the board, but were flagged with a holding penalty. Lucca Stroia was then sent out to attempt a 40-yard field goal, but it missed, ending the half.

“They love to pound the ball with 22 (Doherty) and like to throw to 7 (McCall). it’s very simplistic, those two guys were not going to beat us,” said Tim Savage the coach who has turned Williams Valley into a contender season in and out. “Their quarterback has a strong arm, you just got to play lane responsibilities.”

One thing was for certain, Williams Valley isn’t shy about the way it attacks you; about as blunt as an anvil. And that approach eventually took control and led to the win. Its defense has been tested time and again on this particular night. The Vikings repelled another drive with 4:38 to play in the third quarter on a fumble at their 45.

The Vikings finally opened some breathing when Bryce Herb hook up with swift slot receiver Bo Rahol for a 26-yard touchdown pass with 9:19 to play.

Another turnover from the Marian offense in Williams Valley territory set up the final score. On the first play following the miscue, Brady Miller got free on the short-side pitch and raced 65 yards for the score.

“We ran out of gas, but the opportunities were there offensively,” offered Morgans. “I thought defensively we played well.”

SHOOTING FOR A THIRD … Williams Valley will try and make it three-straight district championships Friday against Tri-Valley a team it defeated 47-21. The last team to win the title other than the Vikings was Marian in 2015.

BANGED UP … Williams Valley lost a great player in Levi Engle in Week 9 when he fell on the point of the ball. The quarterback, who is probably the best defensive back for his team, suffered a season-ending lung injury. Herb took over and has been more than adequate.

TAKING FINAL BOWS … Suiting up for the final time for the Colts were seniors McCall, Doherty, Blayke McGuire, Jacob McLaughlin, Zach Boyer, Christian Smith, Adam Gilbert, John Patton and Dylan Seibert. Seth Paluck had his season curtailed with a pre-season injury.