The beat keeps rolling for Marian’s fast-rising football team.

Momentum continues to carry the Colts, and it showed again Friday night against Shenandoah Valley in a Schuylkill League small-school matchup at Men of Marian Stadium on Stan Dakosty Field.

Behind a rugged defense and a balanced offensive attack, Marian galloped to a 34-6 victory to capture its fourth straight win to open the season. The Colts stormed out of the gate with four first-half touchdowns to build a 28-0 lead, then added another score on their first possession of the second half for a 34-0 cushion.

Second-year head coach Billy O’Gurek credited his offensive line.

“I like the way they established themselves,” O’Gurek said. “We had trouble running the ball the last two weeks, but we came out and got things going the way we wanted.”

Not to be overlooked was Marian’s defense, which surrendered only 45 rushing yards in the first half.

Shenandoah Valley focused on containing Marian’s speedy sophomore running back Rory Dixon. It worked early, but once the line found its rhythm Dixon piled up 145 yards on 13 carries, including touchdown runs of 49, 11 and 15 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Greg Tirpak also had a hand in two scores. He powered in from a yard out before connecting with junior tight end Rocco Griguoli on an 18-yard touchdown pass.

“I was really happy with the way we clamped down and scored in the first half,” O’Gurek said.

He stressed the Colts weren’t looking past the winless Blue Devils (0-4).

“No, we weren’t overlooking them, but it was all about us correcting and executing,” O’Gurek said.

That focus was evident right away. Marian needed only three plays on its opening possession, capped by Dixon’s 49-yard sprint to the end zone, with Jake Tom booting the first of his four extra points. Dixon added an 11-yard touchdown run to finish an 11-play, 66-yard drive.

Running back Jason Ashfield (5 carries, 49 yards) also gave the Colts a boost before leaving with an injury. His runs helped balance the offense and relieve pressure from Dixon.

“That’s the kind of balance we need — everyone is keying on Rory,” O’Gurek said.

On Marian’s third scoring drive, Ashfield gained 19, 16 and 8 yards before Tirpak fired a 7-yard pass to Tom, setting up a 1-yard sneak for a touchdown. The Colts closed the first half with another score, sparked by back-to-back completions from Tirpak to Tom and Griguoli. With the clock winding down, Tirpak delivered a perfect strike to Griguoli for an 18-yard touchdown.

“I like the way we prepared all week, and it showed tonight the way the guys executed,” O’Gurek said. “We scored all four times we had the ball in the first half.”

Marian’s first possession of the second half also ended in the end zone, with Dixon finishing a 60-yard drive on runs of 21 and 15 yards.

Shenandoah Valley broke through in the fourth quarter. Junior Mike Elchisak, who finished with 77 yards on 20 carries, scored on a 35-yard run. Sophomore David Burrows contributed with four catches for 50 yards on the drive.

BY THE NUMBERS … Marian totaled 300 yards of offense, while Shenandoah Valley had 146 rushing yards and 100 passing yards.

SAY SOMETHING NICE … Legendary Marian coach and athletic director Stan Dakosty was back in the press box, treating attendees to hot dogs and hamburgers.

HOW THEY DID IT … Marian’s offensive line dominated, coming off the ball in sync throughout the evening and rarely missing an assignment.

WHERE TO NEXT … Marian (4-0) will try to make it five straight wins Friday at rival Mahanoy Area. The schedule stiffens after that, with games against Minersville, Schuylkill Haven, Williams Valley, Pine Grove and Nativity to close the regular season.

Marian 34, Shenandoah 6

Shenandoah 0 0 0 6 - 6

Marian 7 21 6 0 - 34

M - Dixon 49 run (Tom kick)

M - Dixon 11 run (Tom kick)

M - Tirpak 1 run (Tom kick)

M - Griguoli 18 pass from Tirpak (Tom kick)

M - Dixon 15 run (kick failed)

SV - Elchisak 35 run (run failed)