The storied football program at Marian Catholic High School has been vast and far-reaching.

Former coach Stan Dakosty set the bar high during his tremendous tenure, producing standout football players the way Hershey turns out candy bars.

That standard has long gone, but for second-year coach Bill O’Gurek, there is a brightness shining down. A disciple of Dakosty, O’Gurek is excited to welcome his second edition to the gridiron.

“Oh, I learned a lot in my first season,” O’Gurek said with a smile. “I was well prepared by Stan, but until you get in that position — running practice — you really don’t understand the things that come up and how you have to deal with them. It was an eye-opener, and fortunately I have great assistant coaches.”

He admits mistakes were made, but progress was evident.

“This is a crucial year for us. We’re looking to make it three straight seasons of winning football,” O’Gurek said. “Stan’s last year, he produced a winner. Last year we went 6-5, and I know we could have been a little better — maybe won another two or three games.”

The Colts pulled off a stunning overtime win against highly favored Minersville on the road last season.

To be sure, it was a signature victory for O’Gurek in just his third game as head coach. Though the rest of the season was a rollercoaster, that victory set the right tone — one O’Gurek and his staff hope to carry into 2025.

“The challenge for me was trying to live up to the expectations of the program — the fact that we’ve become successful again and trying to continue that tradition,” O’Gurek said. “What we want to do is stack winning seasons, and we haven’t done that in a while. We haven’t had three straight winning seasons in 10 years.”

Certainly, the upcoming season looms large in that pursuit. The mantra: Continue to take the next step.

“We want the kids to believe in what Marian football is all about.”

Marian graduated a dozen quality players, including much of its offensive line and Division I recruit Michael Gelatko.

An All-State selection, Gelatko filled multiple roles last season, finishing with 23 receptions for 381 yards and a touchdown, along with 80 tackles, three sacks and an interception. He was also the team’s punter.

The glaring hole, however, is along the offensive and defensive lines, where seven starters departed.

The Colts return one of the premier running backs in the region in Rory Dixon, who rushed for 1,005 yards on 211 carries with eight touchdowns.

A two-way standout, Dixon also played linebacker, recording 80 tackles, three sacks and an interception.

O’Gurek has anointed Gregory Tirpak as his quarterback. A three-sport athlete, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound sophomore gained game experience last fall and has led the team in the summer.

Senior Matt Spino (5-9, 155), who will also start at wide receiver, will serve as the backup.

Junior letterwinner Jason Ashfield (5-10, 207) returns at fullback, paving the way for Dixon.

“Ashfield has good bloodlines,” O’Gurek said, noting his grandfather Mike Tracey was a star running back on the 1980 Eastern Conference Class B championship team. “He was our second-leading rusher last year, so he has the experience. We’re counting on him to play a bigger role this season.”

Sophomore Tyler Price (6-1, 190) is a triple threat who can line up at wideout, tight end or halfback. Junior Rocco Griguoli (6-4, 195), a standout in basketball and baseball, is expected to make an impact.

Senior Jake Tom (5-7, 140), a state medalist in the long jump, also figures into the rotation.

Senior Damian Rodino (5-10, 205) anchors the line of scrimmage at center, joined by his brother, junior Dominick Rodino (6-1, 210), at left tackle.

Junior Walker Sheer (6-3, 180) slots in at right tackle.

Veterans Jah Bushati (5-11, 170) and Billy Ebert (5-11, 320) hold the guard positions.

Sophomores Jack LeClair (5-11, 195) and Nick Polakovich (5-11, 160) provide depth and are expected to push for playing time.

“What I like about our offense is that we’ve got a lot of skill guys who can play various positions,” O’Gurek said.

POSITION BREAKDOWN

QUARTERBACKS

Coach O’Gurek has anointed Greg Tirpak as his quarterback. A solid three-sport athlete, Tirpak has been at the forefront all summer and has some game experience from last fall. Backup duties will go to senior Matt Spino, who will start at wide receiver.

RUNNING BACKS

Marian returns one of the premier running backs in the region in Rory Dixon, who rushed for 1,005 yards (211 carries) and eight touchdowns. Letterwinner Jason Ashfield paves the way at fullback, and is a threat coming out of the backfield to latch onto passes; the same for Dixon, too.

WIDE RECEIVERS

There is a bumper crop of good hands in this department, starting with Tyler Price, who can also play tight end and running back when called upon. Keep an eye on superb athlete Rocco Griguoli. A standout basketball and baseball player, he is now a junior and will get plenty of opportunities to catch the ball. Toss in senior Jake Tom to get targeted at wide receiver, who is a long jumper on the track team.

OFFENSIVE LINE

This is where Marian has to grow up in a hurry. O’Gurek does have some seasoned players returning. Damian Rodino 5-10 205, senior center; his brother junior Dominick Rodino at left tackle, right tackle finds Walker Sheer. Maning the guard position you’ll find senior veteran Jah Bushati along with junior Billy Ebert. Waiting in the wings for playing time are sophomores Jack LeClair and Nick Polakovich.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Just flip things over from the offensive line and the group consists of defensive ends Ashfield and Griguoli with Sheer waiting in the wings. The tackles are led by Dominick Rodino, Ebert and LeClair.

LINEBACKERS

Once again, Marian will engage two-way players in their scheme. The Colts have two veteran led by Bushati and Damian Rodino.

SECONDARY

The cornerbacks find Tom and Tate, strong safety has a veteran crew with Dixon, who can also walkup as a linebacker, rice and Sartori. The free safety battle features Spino and Nolan Marsch.