Marian will close out the regular season at home tonight against Nativity.

Nativity B.V.M. (4-5)

at Marian (6-3)

When: Thursday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m.

Instant Replay

Marian snapped a three-game losing streak with a 35-0 shutout of Pine Grove last week. The Colts recorded four interceptions and limited the Cardinals to 188 yards of offense. Rory Dixon rushed for a game-high 157 of Marian’s 219 yards on the ground and scored four touchdowns. Dixon has totaled 788 yards and 14 touchdowns this season. Tyler Price added a 58-yard interception return for a score. Gregg Tirpak has thrown for 712 yards with five touchdowns and seven interceptions. The Colts continue to be a first-half scoring team, producing 146 of their 233 points before halftime. They’ve been balanced defensively, allowing 105 points in the first half and 113 in the second. Marian has won the last four meetings with Nativity, including a 21-18 victory last year. The Green Wave last won in 2020, 36-0. Nativity has been shut out in its last two games, most recently a 54-0 loss to state-ranked Schuylkill Haven. The Green Wave was limited to 152 total yards, including just 38 rushing. Prior to the two-game skid, Nativity had won back-to-back contests. Quarterback Colt Mason remains the Green Wave’s primary dual threat. Storyline of the Week Marian turned in a complete effort on both sides of the ball last week, and will aim for a repeat performance to build momentum entering the postseason. The Colts will again look to pound the ball behind Dixon, who is 212 yards shy of 1,000 for the season.

Coach’s Corner

“We have been at our best this season when we’ve played well on the lines of scrimmage and forced turnovers on defense. We were able to do that again last week against Pine Grove when we ran for over 200 yards and forced four interceptions. I was particularly proud of a few young guys forced into action due to injury. Sophomore Nick Polakovic, and freshman Connor Giannelli, came in on the offensive and defensive lines in the first quarter after an injury and both played well. We will need another strong performance this week in a big rivalry game against Nativity. Our team is motivated to win seven games in the regular season for the first time since 2014 and continue to build momentum for the postseason.” — Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek.