The energy level is still at a high pitch.

The work ethic has never faded, nor waned.

The Godfather of football coaches in Schuylkill County and the surrounding areas still carries a big stick and his words speak volumes.

After spending a few years in retirement, Stan Dakosty returned last year to take back the reigns of the Colts’ program.

Now set to begin year two of his return, he believes the light at the end of the tunnel is significantly closer.

Dakosty is engineering a team that he feels has the potential to attain success far earlier than many naysayers would have believed a year ago.

“Our football IQ is higher and our offseason program has been a tremendous success,” Dakosty said in pinpointing two of the main reasons for his optimism.

They say football games aren’t won on the field in August, September, October and November, but they are won from January until July when teams hold voluntary workouts.

If that’s true, the Colts have plenty of reason for optimism.

Dakosty had praise for what his players did the past several months with one player attending over 100 offseason workouts, another attending more that 70, and many others in the 60+ category.

The dedication to the workouts have impressed Dakosty, who will field a roster of over 40 players this season after the Colts’ numbers dwindled into the teens just a couple of years ago.

But Dakosty also knows that offseason dedication alone isn’t enough.

“Our challenge is to take that (dedication) and move it over to the season,” he said. “We’re still inexperienced … Over 90 percent of the team is still comprised of underclassmen. But a lot of them played last year, so they got the taste of varsity football and that will be a huge help.”

One position where there isn’t much experience returning is quarterback.

Dakosty has several players battling to be the starter. Senior Matt Rehrig has the lead thus far, even though he was injured most of last season. Dakosty said Rehrig’s offseason has been great as has junior Andy Baran’s. The wildcard in the quarterback mix might be Bruce Hopeck. A season ago, Hopeck was a lineman, but after seeing him throw a ball, the coaching staff was impressed with his arm strength and added him to the quarterback depth chart.

Marian will run out of a Pistol Formation. Matt Martin and James Rodino will see time at the fullback position with Jayden Fermin, Devon Smith and Josian Hernandez all in the mix at tailback.

Speed reigns out on the flanks with Jake Fenstermaker, Luis Teron, Mike Sillman and Baran all bringing athleticism to the receiver position.

Tight end has a trio battling in Joey Walko, Angelo Greek, and freshman Mike Gelatko

Marian’s offensive and defensive lines will be anchored by potential Division I recruit Rawlin Melendez, who is a 6-3, 254 pound junior.

“He’s a player with great size who can also run. He will be a scholarship player,” Dakosty said.

Jesse Rodino, John Milosh, Julian Hermany and Ethan Smith are the top candidates to round out the offensive line.

Marian will go with either a 4-4 or 4-2 defense depending on the formation and down situation.

Battling for time on the interior of the line will be Smith, Milosh, Hermany, Luke Jordan and Zach Kinney. Melendez returns at one defensive end position while Walko or Jesse Rodino will play the other.

Heading the linebacking unit are James Rodino, Smith, Gelatko and Greek.

The secondary will have Teron, Brandon Klitsch, Nova McGuire and Sillman playing the cornerback position. The safeties will be Fenstermaker, Baran, Fermin and Rehrig.

Dakosty isn’t expecting miracles, as he builds the program back to a winning tradition.

“It’s a process, we have to grow as a football team. It’s long-term process – but our immediate goal is to still win football games.”

At the rate things are moving, the Godfather of area football coaches could be racking up more wins faster than almost anyone expected.

QUARTERBACKS

Four players are battling for the starting berth - one from each class. Senior Matt Rehrig appears to have the inside track but he’s being pushed by junior Andy Baran, converted lineman Bruce Hopeck, and freshman Dylan Rodino.

RUNNING BACKS

The Colts can gallop off with a host of players in the stable. Fullback Matt Martin is at the forefront, but James Rodino should see his share of work at the position as well. Marian always seems to have a tailback with speed, and this season is no different. Jayden Fermin heads the group, but Devon Smith and Josian Hernandez will challenge. Jake Fenstermaker, who is listed at receiver, could see time in the backfield as well.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Marian has its share of “good hands people” that can run at the flanks. Jake Fenstermaker and Luis Teron, who both saw action a year ago, are at the forefront. Also in the mix are Mike Sillman, Brandon Klitsch, Nova McGuire and quarterback Andy Baran if he’s not under center. The tight end position features Joe Walko, Mike Gelatko, Angelo Greek and Chase Hower.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Heading the interior is highly thought of junior tackle Rawlin Melendez. Ethan Smith is at the other tackle spot, Jesse Rodino is at center, John Milosh is one guard while freshman Julian Hermany could be the other. Lending depth will be Luke Jordan and Mason Soult.

DEFENSIVE LINE

There is enough depth that will enable the Colts to shine at this position. Again, the headliner is Rawlin Melendez, while Ethan Smith, Luke Jordan, Julian Hermany, John Milosh, Joe Walko, Jesse Rodino and Zach Kinney will all see time.

LINEBACKERS

A huge position on any defensive football team, as the Marian defenders will need to read and react, paced by veteran Matt Martin and James Rodino. Chasing that pair for time and depth are frosh Mike Gelatko, Devon Smith and Angelo Greek.

SECONDARY

Marian secondary has a sprinkling of seasoned players led by cornerbacks Luis Teron and Brandon Klitsch. Right behind that pair are Nova McGuire and Mike Sillman. At free safety are Jake Fenstermaker and Andy Baran, while at strong safety are James Fermin and Matt Rehrig.