The Marian Colts enter the 2025 campaign with a mix of experience and youth, aiming to climb toward the top half of the rugged Schuylkill-Colonial blue division and District 11 Class A.

Head coach Billy O’Gurek is now in his second season at the helm and after a 6-5 mark and a District 11 Class A semifinal berth last year, he’ll be leaning on a proven core while also breaking in some fresh faces. The Colts were a middle-of-the-pack team a season ago, but their upside could make them one of the league’s biggest wildcards this season.

3 key players

Rory Dixon (jr., RB-DB)

Jah Bustahti (sr., OL-LB)

Tyler Price (so., WR-DB)

Dixon reclaims his role as Marian’s most explosive playmaker after rushing for over 1,229 yards last season — ranking him among the top rushers in the Schuylkill‑Colonial cooperative. He consistently turned in big nights on the ground and high-impact plays on defense — most memorably dropping 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a standout performance against Tri‑Valley. Dixon’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him the Colts’ go-to weapon heading into 2025.

Bushati returns as a high‑motor, two‑way leader who anchored both the line and the linebacking corps. A mainstay on defense, he amassed 112 total tackles as a junior — averaging an impressive 11.2 tackles per game — and added a pancake block capacity on offense that bolstered the Colts’ push up front. His combination of production, work ethic, and senior leadership will be essential in setting the tone in both trenches.

A rising sophomore with a balanced skill set, Price contributed late in his freshman season with 91 rushing yards on 11 carries (8.3 avg) and 27 receiving yards on just three catches. His 320 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns showcase his potential as a versatile offensive spark. As he grows into his sophomore year and adds defensive snaps at DB, Price could become a key mismatch weapon on both sides of the ball.

3 key newcomers

Dominick Rodino (jr., OL-DL)

Jake Tom (sr., WR-DB)

Jason Ashfield (jr., RB-LB)

At 6-foot-1 and over 200 pounds, Rodino has the frame to step right into the trenches for Marian. He’s expected to help solidify both lines, giving the Colts size and toughness where it matters most. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him a key piece in balancing the roster after heavy graduation losses up front.

Tom brings athleticism and experience to the receiving corps and secondary. At 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, he’s quick and rangy enough to be a reliable target in the passing game while also holding his own in coverage on defense. As a senior, he’ll be leaned on to provide leadership and stability in a lineup that features a lot of youth.

Ashfield, listed at 5-foot-9, 175 pounds, has the build to contribute as both a physical running back and an active linebacker. His versatility gives Marian flexibility in how they use him, and his ability to play downhill fits well with the Colts’ emphasis on toughness. Expect him to push for carries in the backfield while also bolstering the second level of the defense.

3 key losses

Michael Gelatko (TE-DL)

Aidan Milkovits (OL-DL)

Julian Hermany (OL-DL)

Gelatko was one of Marian’s most decorated players in recent memory. In his senior season, he caught 23 passes for 381 yards and a touchdown while also making 80 tackles, 3 sacks, and an interception on defense. He doubled as the team’s punter and was recognized as an All-State tight end and Big 33 selection, bringing rare versatility and leadership. His graduation leaves a massive gap in talent on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams. Gelatko is currently rostered as a tight end at Buffalo University.

Milkovits gave the Colts four years of dependable trench play and was a mainstay in the starting lineup. He recorded 168 career tackles, including 72 solo stops and three sacks, and also earned credit for 18 pancake blocks on offense. His consistency and toughness set the tone for Marian’s line play, and replacing that presence will be one of the coaching staff’s biggest challenges moving forward.

Hermany may not have put up eye-popping numbers, but he was a steady and reliable two-way lineman. He finished his senior season with 22 tackles and averaged just over three per game, giving the Colts much-needed depth and physicality in the trenches. His graduation removes another experienced body from the front, making line depth a clear question mark heading into 2025.

Rising Stars

The Colts will be looking for growth from younger names to complement their veterans. Rodino steps into the spotlight as a two-way player with plenty of upside on the line, while underclassmen like Matt Spino and Hunter Sartori could take on larger roles as the season progresses. Their development will be crucial to giving Marian the depth needed to compete week to week.

Season Outlook

Marian has the feel of a team on the rise. With Dixon leading the backfield, Bushati commanding the defense, and a mix of promising newcomers, the Colts have the right ingredients to surprise opponents who might overlook them. The losses of Gelatko, Milkovits, and Hermany mean the lines will need to be retooled, but if the front holds up, the skill positions have enough talent to keep Marian competitive in every game.

In a league where depth and physicality decide late-season success, Marian is still building. But with the foundation set in O’Gurek’s second year, the Colts have the chance to turn into a dangerous middle-of-the-pack team that no one will want to face come October.

Marian Colts