It's safe to say that it has been an up and down season for the 2015 Marian football team.

The Colts started off the year with three straight wins, only to then lose three straight to eventual District 11 postseason teams North Schuylkill, Blue Mountain, and Lehighton. The Colts (7-4) then bounced back, winning three straight games yet again before dropping the season finale in an upset loss to rival Tamaqua.In the first round of the district playoffs a week ago, the Colts showed their resiliency once again by defeating rival Mahanoy Area 21-12 to advance to this Friday's District 11 title game.This week, however, the Colts will have a chance to put the past behind them as they head on the road to Tri-Valley for a chance at championship gold.The key for both teams from the onset will be how each team performs in the trenches.The 'Dawgs (9-2) boast arguably one of the best pass rushes in the all of District 11 Class A as they've come up with 41.5 sacks on the season. That's close to four sacks per game. Inside linebacker Bryan Rusinko has been the leader of the 'Dawgs sack attack, leading the team with eight sacks on the year."When we have the opportunity to rush the passer we have to take advantage," said Tri-Valley head coach Mike Ulicny. "They have a lot of great playmakers and if you let those guys get outside the tackles you could have some problems. They also have one of the better fronts we've faced this season, so it will definitely be a challenge. But it's key for us to get them in passing situations and try to get pressure on them with our rush."It's no secret that K.J. Snerr is the high octane gasoline that fuels the Marian offense. Snerr helped the Colts take care of business against Mahanoy a week ago, rushing for 117 yards and all three of Marian touchdowns. The senior has been banged up throughout the season, but has always come through for the Colts when called upon. Snerr has rushed for over 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season and has also scored 19 touchdowns.Snerr's explosive counterpart on offense has been receiver Aaron DeAngelo. DeAngelo has been one of the top receivers in the Anthracite Football League this season, hauling in 35 catches for 620 yards and six touchdowns. DeAngelo definitely has the ability to come up with the big play as he's averaging almost 18 yards per catch.Snerr, DeAngelo, and the rest of the Marian offense must get off to a good start against the 'Dawgs."We hope to get going early like we did a week ago against Mahanoy. Obviously when you're on the road in a hostile environment that opening drive if successful can give the team a lot of confidence," said Marian head coach Stan Dakosty. "We also have to make sure we keep a consistent pace and tempo throughout the game and finish off drives."Tri-Valley has some playmakers on the offensive side of the ball as well and it all starts for the 'Dawgs at the quarterback position.'Dawgs junior signal caller Jaden Buchanan has been solid through the air and on the ground this season, passing for 1,153 yards and nine touchdowns, while rushing for 552 yards and 13 scores.Balance has been key for the 'Dawgs, but running the football is where they've had their most success. They average 216 rushing yards per game and have five players that have all rushed for over 300 yards on the season. Each player that's has rushed for over 300 yards is averaging over five yards per rushing attempt as well."We're at the point in the season where there are no bad teams left," said Dakosty. "You're playing teams with playmakers at almost every position. We've had a great week at practice, especially up front, so it's just up to us as a team to execute come Friday night."