PINE GROVE — Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek talked about how his team plays when they’re at their best.

“When we run the ball well, we’ve been at our best, and we’re very opportunistic on defense, which we were able to see tonight,” he said.

That is exactly what happened Friday night at Cardinal Stadium on a chilly fall night as the Colts defeated Pine Grove 35-0.

Marian (6-3) had a 4-2 turnover ratio, usually a key to winning, versus the Cardinals.

Sophomore Tyler Price came up with two interceptions, one of them being a 58-yard pick-6. The other two were registered by juniors Rory Dixon and Dante Tate.

Pine Grove (1-8) managed to force turnovers, getting an interception in the first half by junior Teagan Schneck Haines and also recovering fumble.

The first touchdown came after the first interception thrown by the Cardinals, as Dixon reached the end zone on a 27-yard run for the first points on the board.

In the second quarter, Marian drove down the field and scored on a 22-yard run by Price to extend the lead to 14-0. Later, Schneck Haines came up with his interception to keep the Colts lead at only 14-0 at the half.

What could have been a costly turnover for the Colts came early in the second half, as the Cardinals recovered a loose ball.

But Marian would get the ball back after Pine Grove failed to get a score, and Dixon would make up for the fumble by scoring a touchdown on a 44-yard run putting the Colts up 21-0.

Pine Grove continued to try to move down the field through the air, but on third down after the Marian score, Price came up with his interception and returned it 58 yards, ballooning the score to 28-0.

The final tally came from Marian after a blocked punt, which gave the Colts the ball back on the 5-yard line. Dixon ran it in on the first play to seal the win.

UP NEXT … Marian will be at home on Thursday night against Nativity in both team’s regular-season finale. Pine Grove will be on the road next Friday as the Cardinals travel to face Williams Valley.

Marian 35, Pine Grove 0

Marian 7 7 14 7 - 35

Pine Grove 0 0 0 0 - 0

M - Dixon 27 run (Bushati kick)

M - Price 22 run (Bushati kick)

M - Dixon 44 run (Bushati kick)

M - Price 58 interception return (Bushati kick)

M - Dixon 5 run (Bushati kick)