Marian beats Minersville in a lopsided game at Stan Dakosty Field

TAMAQUA — The Colts came out of the gates hot, opening the scoring on a touchdown pass from quarterback Greg Tirpak with 9:00 remaining in the first quarter to give Marian Catholic a 7-0 lead.

Minersville answered with a 16-yard touchdown reception by Jordan Bowers with 6:56 remaining in the quarter, tying the game at 7-7. That score held through the end of the first quarter.

The defenses took over in the second quarter, as neither team was able to find the end zone. The Miners and Colts headed to the locker room tied at 7-7.

The third quarter was filled with nonstop action. Marian Catholic opened the second-half scoring with a touchdown by Tirpak. Minersville’s Bowers responded by returning a kickoff for a touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.

Marian Catholic then exploded for two more touchdowns, with big contributions from standout receiver Rocco Gourguli, to take a 28-14 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Colts continued to control the game in the fourth. Marian Catholic added several more touchdowns behind the play of Tirpak and Gourguli, along with a 50-yard run by Tyler Price.

A dominant second half propelled Marian Catholic to a 49-14 victory over Minersville.

Minersville (1-3) is set to face the Tri-Valley Bulldogs (3-1), who are coming off a 49-10 victory over the Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils. Marian Catholic (2-2) is set to face the Shenandoah Valley Blue Devils.