Has the tradition truly returned to one of the great football programs in Northeast Pennsylvania?

That stamp of approval on Marian is still a fringe notion, but dwindling enrollment and a shrinking population are slowly eroding the region. That is not just a problem for the Colts, but for the area in general.

Talent and numbers play a major role, yet Marian has always been considered one of the “teams to beat.” The vibe coming out of camp over the past two weeks has been positive.

Billy O’Gurek was tutored by legendary mentor Stan Dakosty, who left a valuable impact on the third-year coach. O’Gurek doesn’t go around pumping his fist to the high heavens. He walks with confidence and sees growth in the squad, even though there are only 27 players in full gear. O’Gurek’s leadership is rubbing off on the team.

“We can’t control some things, but we can control a family atmosphere and togetherness. That’s my job as a head coach, I try and lead by example,” he said.

The Colts suffered a gut punch when Rory Dixon, a super two-way performer at running back and linebacker, informed O’Gurek the night before camp started that he wasn’t coming out.

“It sure was a surprise to me,” O’Gurek said.

Dixon’s loss is immense. He was a 1,000-yard rusher for three straight years and scored 17 touchdowns. He was also a standout defensive player.

Losing Dixon at linebacker, where the coach called him a “playmaker,” also creates a major void. Dixon had five interceptions. The shuffling is now a high priority.

“He is such a great player, a skilled athlete and it set us back,” O’Gurek said. “He’s got a full ride to wrestle at Davidson ... athletes like him come around once in a while, and the entire school was all abuzz about Rory. He had a great three years here and we really want to wish him (the best).”

With the small numbers Marian has to deal with, O’Gurek’s staff quickly found a solution.

“Tyler Price, he’s our guy. He’s a talent, he can play the position and be effective for us, we feel confident he will fill the void,” O’Gurek said. “Tyler is quick, we worry too much that he wants to run over people, and we are trying to teach him to get to the (open space). Our entire staff likes him, and we feel he will be more than just adequate moving to linebacker.”

Price not only becomes the featured back after switching from wide receiver, but is now also a linebacker.

“He was a safety for us, and that weakens us somewhat (at safety),” said O’Gurek. “Four out of five secondary spots are now brand new.”

A season ago, the Colts reeled off five straight wins before stumbling.

“We had a really great start last year, then we ran into some pretty darn good football teams” O’Gurek said, as the team eventually finished 7-4.

Things are not gloomy on the offensive side, as Marian has perhaps the premier tight end in the region in senior Rocco Griguoli, who is a tremendous asset to the club. He is a three-sport athlete (football, basketball, baseball) and has offers to play at the next level in Division 1.

“Rocco is strictly at tight end, where he gives us a big boost when we have to run the ball with his size and athleticism,” O’Gurek said.

“We split him out at times, but we are going to keep him (inside) mostly.”

Junior quarterback Greg Tirpak is another three-sport star who has leadership qualities.

“He and Cole (Grohowski) have had great camps, they’ve battled and with Greg he gives us stability having been a starter for us since (late) in his freshman (season),” said O’Gurek. “The coaching staff is excited about both of those athletes ... they play three sports and that is significant when you look at how athletic they are.”

O’Gurek never hesitated, though, when asked about the strength of this year’s team.

“It’s our defense, no question,” he said.

The front sits at 4-2, with Griguoli and Jason Ashfield at defensive ends. The tackles feature two physical standouts led by seniors Dominick Rodino, a second-team Class A all-stater, and Billy Ebert. Walker Sheer, freshman Danny Archer and junior Jack LeClair round out the main six players.

Price is at middle linebacker, and the coach said his offseason was sterling. Add junior Nick Polakovic, while junior Logan Joseph is looking for playing time at linebacker.

The five deep defenders include senior Tyler Rebarchak, fellow seniors Dante Tate and Nolan Marsch, and the two quarterbacks — Tirpak and Grochowski.

Getting the nod on the offensive interior are Polakovic, LeClair, Sheer, Ebert and Rodino, with Archer in a supporting role.

The pistol formation is the game plan, with Tirpak using his athletic ability to kick-start the offense.

With the aforementioned Price and Ashfield in the offensive backfield, depth comes from Connor Gianelli and Tate.

Griguoli will handle tight end, while Tate and Rebarchak are the receivers.

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS

It’s been a tight preseason race, but the inside track belongs to veteran Greg Tirpak, beating out rising star Cole Grochowski. Tirpak is a gifted athlete. Last fall, he completed 58 of his 101 attempts, for 956 yards and seven touchdowns. He also has the ability to run, and with the Colts switching to the Pistol formation it will enhance his ability on both accounts. Grochowski is a capable backup and will see action as a receiver.

RUNNING BACKS

The loss of Rory Dixon puts a dent into the attack. Tyler Price will be the feature back. A year ago, he had 43 carries for 216 yards and three TDs. His backup Jason Ashfield will man the fullback spot where he had 32 carries (111 yards). Lending depth at the position is Connor Gianelli and Dante Tate.

WIDE RECEIVERS

There’s an interesting group for Marian here where D-1 tight end prospect Rocco Grigouli stands at the head of the class. The senior has been a fixture since his freshman season. Last year, he had 14 catches for 206 yards and three scores. He should excel with the new offense, and his blocking ability makes him a key cog in the wheel. Other receivers include Tyler Rebarchak and Tate as the Colts seek depth through the early part of the season.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The headliner is Dominick Rodino, a second-team Class A all-state veteran, with Billy Ebert. Walker Sheer, Nick Polakovic, freshman Danny Archer , junior Jack LeClair make up the forward wall.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Head coach Billy O’Gurek calls this group the heart of the team, going so far as to call it the strongest overall. Again it is led by Rodino, Ashfield, Ebert, Sheer, Archer and LeClair.

LINEBACKERS

The loss of Dixon forced the staff to shuffle the position(s), moving Price inside and settling in with Polakovic while looking for playing time from junior Logan Joseph.

SECONDARY

Five corners and safeties in the 4-2-5 set has Rebarchak, Tate, Nolan Marsch with the safeties turning up Tirpak and Grochowski.