It’s been since 2006 that the Marian Colts have started off a season 5-0.

The Colts host a talented Minersville squad on Saturday night to try and stay unbeaten in one of the Week Six Times News Games of the Week.

Marian has certainly been stingy on the defensive end this season, surrendering just 13.8 points per game.

However, the Marian defense will face off with its toughest test to date in a Minersville offense that features several explosive playmakers.

Minersville (3-2) quarterback Dante Carr, who is committed to play football at the next level at Division 1 UCF, is as dynamic of a player as they come, having thrown for 811 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for 578 yards at 11.8 yards per carry and eight touchdowns.

Carr also has a match-up nightmare in wide receiver Paiten Lapoint, who has hauled in 20 catches for 288 yards and five scores.

“Obviously, the first thing that jumps out at you is the quarterback for sure. He’s going to be the best player we’ve played against in a really long time,” said Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek. “You need to try and contain him. Keep him in the pocket, and don’t give him any rush lanes. And then you need to contend with Lapoint, who can take the top off a defense at any time.

“Plus, they have other playmakers out there as well. We just need to try and slow them down, and make them work for every yard.”

The Colts have won games in many different ways this season, and have also scored in a variety of ways as well, as they showcased last week in a 35-13 win over Mahanoy Area.

With the Marian offense struggling to get the run game going, the Colts scored on a 53-yard fake punt by Jake Tom, and a 32-yard interception return by Dante Tate.

Marian’s ability to win games in a multitude of different ways is a big reason for its 5-0 start, but if the Colts want to challenge for championships, it’s key that it gets the run game back on track.

Despite some early-season struggles, junior Rory Dixon has been solid in the run game and leads the Colts’ rushing attack with 495 yards at 5.8 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns.

“Minersville, as always, has some tough, hard-nosed kids up front. I think that’s where the focus of the game has to be; winning the battle along the line of scrimmage,” said O’Gurek. “We need to be better there on the offensive side of the ball than we have been over the last few weeks.

“I like how we have been able to win in many different ways. We haven’t relied on one guy like we have in the past. And I think we have played complementary football. I like our team, and I like our attitude.”

One of the many playmakers that Marian has turned to has been standout senior Jake Tom, who came out for the team a season ago and has burst onto the scene this year.

Tom has been a game-breaker for the Colts, hauling in nine balls for 130 yards and one score, while also rushing for 186 yards and two touchdowns. Tom also starts at defensive back.

“Jake has been a total game-changer for us,” said O’Gurek. “His speed and athleticism is impressive to watch. He’s only about 5-8 or 5-9, but with his jumping ability he plays so much bigger than that. He’s a state medalist in track and field and that speed shows out there.

“He has a great story. He came out for the team last year and was basically a kicker, and then later in the year we started running him on scout team and he was torching guys. So, coming into this season, we wanted him to commit to playing other positions and really go all in, and he did that. He’s doing a great job for us.”