HEGINS — If grit and determination are the keys to success, Marian Catholic showed plenty of both Friday night against one of District 11’s top Class A teams.

Faced with adversity throughout the game, the Colts never backed down.

The heavy underdogs repeatedly picked themselves up and delivered one of the biggest surprises of the season, knocking off Tri-Valley 24-21 in a Schuylkill Football League Division 2 contest.

There were plenty of obstacles.

The Colts were still trying to move past last week’s loss to Shenandoah Valley. Then, in the third quarter, Marian lost standout lineman Jack LeClair to a season-ending injury. Rather than fold, the Colts used the setback as motivation.

Teammates felt the loss immediately. Tight end Rocco Griguoli, quarterback Greg Tirpak and running back Tyler Price all spoke about LeClair’s impact after the game.

Marian (3-3, 3-1) also made sure there were plenty of positives. The Colts scored off the opening kickoff and set the tone defensively, frustrating a Tri-Valley offense that was without leading rusher Parker Hatter (knee).

Griguoli and Dominic Rodino led a relentless defensive effort that consistently pressured Bulldogs quarterback Trey Porter.

“We got pressure on them ... we did a good job in the run game,” Marian coach Billy O’Gurek said of his defense.

Marian forced a fumble on the opening kickoff when Nick Polakovich recovered at the Tri-Valley 34-yard line. Four plays later, Tirpak connected with Price on a 7-yard touchdown pass. Vinicius Miranda added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

Miranda later added a 35-yard field goal and finished with six points.

Tri-Valley (4-2, 2-1) quickly threatened, driving into Marian territory, but the Colts stopped Porter and came up with a fourth-down stand.

The Bulldogs eventually tied the game with a 77-yard drive capped by Porter’s 2-yard touchdown run.

Marian responded to take a 10-7 lead on Miranda’s field goal. The six-play drive featured a 49-yard completion from Tirpak to Griguoli and another 10-yard pass to Price.

The Colts extended their lead to 17-7 before halftime when Tirpak found Griguoli for a 9-yard touchdown.

“That was a great pass (Greg) threw to me and the one in the end zone was unbelievable,” Griguoli said.

“There were somethings that we weren’t expecting,” Tirpak said of the Tri-Valley defense.

“We knew they were going to make some adjustments at halftime.”

The offensive plan remained simple.

“We pounded the rock, as coach (wanted) us to do,” Tirpak said.

The defense continued to answer the challenge. Tri-Valley pulled within 17-14 late in the third quarter when Porter connected with speedster Doyle Flory on a 20-yard touchdown pass.

But Marian had an answer, and it came from Price.

The junior running back carried the ball 26 times for 170 yards. His biggest play came with 5:22 remaining when he scored on an 11-yard run to give Marian a 24-14 lead.

Tri-Valley made one final push. With just over two minutes left, fullback Donavan Keech scored on a 3-yard run to cut the deficit to three points.

The Colts remained calm and worked the clock the rest of the way.

O’Gurek had plenty of praise for Price.

“He is a special player and we are very fortunate to have him,” the Marian coach said.

Price embraced the challenge.

“I knew it was a big game,” Price said. “I just gutted it out.”

But his thoughts remained with LeClair.

“It was a really tough injury, getting this win helps (us all).”

The victory also keeps Marian in the hunt for a District 11 Class A playoff berth.

GUNSLINGER ... When Tirpak completed 6-of-10 passes for 132 yards.

BY THE NUMBERS ... Griguoli caught three passes for 75 yards. Dante Tate had one catch for 50 yards. Marian finished with 287 total yards, while Tri-Valley totaled 252.

HE’LL BE MISSED ... LeClair was a key contributor on both sides of the ball. The junior lineman remained in the thoughts of both teams. Tri-Valley players joined Marian in praying for his recovery after the game. A classy gesture.

Marian 24, Tri-Valley 21

Marian 7 10 0 7 - 24

Tri-Valley 0 7 7 7 - 21

M – Price 7 run (Miranda kick)

TV – Porter 2 run (Hilliard kick)

M – Miranda 35 FG

M – Griguoli 9 pass from Tirpak (Miranda kick)

TV - Flores 20 pass from Porter (Hilliard kick)

M – Price 11 run (Miranda kick)

TV – Keech 3 run (Hilliard kick)