A slow start can derail an entire season for many teams.

Confidence can waver, causing a domino effect that transforms a once-promising campaign into unfulfilled potential full of ‘what ifs?’

Those doubts don’t exist in Hometown.

Marian has rebounded from a tough opening slate with a string of victories as the postseason nears.

A prime catalyst for a team that is hitting its stride is running back Matt Doherty. The senior racked up 175 yards rushing and two scores as Marian pulled out a 28-25 come-from-behind victory against Mahanoy Area last Friday.

As the Colts collected their fourth straight win, Doherty earned Times News Player of the Week honors with his performance.

“We started off the season a little slow,” said Doherty. “The past four weeks have been amazing for us. We’ve really improved everywhere, honestly, on the field. The coaches kept us up during that time, told us to keep going, keep going, and it’s paid off with a four-game win streak. I’m pretty hyped about that.

“I think we finally noticed that we know our potential, and what we have to do. I think we all came together, snapped out of it, I guess, and came together as one team and worked together as a team, and it’s really paid off.”

Doherty has thrived during Marian’s (4-5) four-game winning streak, rushing for 580 yards and seven scores. The Colts are averaging 28.5 points-per-game during the run, after scoring just 40 points combined during their first five contests.

“I think he deserves it,” said Marian head coach Pat Morgans. “Matt’s the kind of kid that it doesn’t matter whether it’s practice or a game, he’s going to go 100 percent every play. Even when he’s nicked or something, you got to drag him off the field, you really do.

“That’s a one-of-a-kind night. A special night like that, that’s something he’ll always remember, and that’s why you coach. They play, and they live for those memories, and that’s one he’ll never forget.”

Doherty, who also added two catches for 60 yards, was named Homecoming King at halftime. But with the Colts trailing 18-14, he was more concerned with strapping on his helmet rather than a crown.

“It was good,” he said with a laugh. “At halftime we were losing, so it was all good to win Homecoming King, but then right after that, I had to snap out of it because we had to win the game to make the night perfect. And it happened.”

The Colts allowed just seven points after halftime, taking the lead on a timely interception return from quarterback Mason Miller, and producing a game-altering drive that ate up the final 8:18 of the third quarter and ended when Doherty went in from the 1 for his second touchdown with 11:03 to play in the fourth to up Marian’s lead to 28-18.

Doherty flashed his big-play ability with a dazzling 65-yard score in the first quarter that put the Colts up 7-6.

“We knew going into the game that that offense was hard to defend, and it was going to take a total team effort on defense,” said Morgans. “We had kids step up. It wasn’t just one guy making all the plays. We had two guys – Matt was actually one of them – him and Jake McLaughlin were the two top tacklers in that game.

“And that’s what leaders do, and that’s what you look for. And our tackles did a nice job, taking the midline away, and our linebackers did a nice job. It was a total team effort on defense. Even offensively, Matt will be the first one to tell you, he can’t do it all himself. The linemen opened up some holes, and our fullbacks were blocking for him. One of the keys to the game, too, was Mason (Miller) made some nice throws. It was a total team effort, and I’m proud of the kids. They all just got it done.”

And that’s all Doherty could have asked for.

“We know we have a bunch of big playmakers on our team, so we just had to make the plays with what they gave us, and capitalize on their mistakes, and we did that,” said Doherty. “There were a lot of big plays in that game. We just made big plays when we had to, and it paid off.”