Schuylkill Haven's Colton Reber races through a big hole for a large gain in a District 11 Class AA quarterfinal against Palisades at Rotary Field (Ashley Donatti).

SCHUYLKILL HAVEN — Colton Reber finished just one rushing touchdown shy of setting a school record, scoring eight total touchdowns in a remarkable performance Friday night.

Schuylkill Haven’s defense held Marian Catholic to just 14 yards of total offense in the second half. It was the combination of Reber’s career night and a relentless defensive effort that powered the Hurricanes to a dominant 55-14 Schuylkill-Colonial Blue Division victory at Rotary Field.

The first quarter, however, belonged to the Colts. A string of Schuylkill Haven penalties and a 38-yard interception return by Rocco Griguoli had Marian leading 7-0 after one.

“We came out really flat,” Schuylkill Haven head coach Mike Farr said. “We’ll take care of that this Tuesday at practice. We can’t look at the other team and say, ‘Oh, we’re better than them,’ and then come out flat. Penalties hurt us in those first couple minutes. We just can’t do that.”

The teams traded scores early in the second quarter. Reber tied the game at 7 with a 36-yard touchdown run, but Marian answered immediately as quarterback Gregory Tirpak connected with Jacob Tom for a 66-yard touchdown pass to retake the lead at 14-7.

From there, it was all Hurricanes.

Reber stole the spotlight with three rushing touchdowns and a 40-yard interception return, giving Haven a 35-14 lead at halftime.

The theme of Reber and defense carried into the second half. The Hurricanes held Marian to just 14 yards on four possessions after the break, while Reber added three more rushing touchdowns. He finished the night with 309 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns.

“He just makes plays,” Farr said. “He runs through the holes that are created by a bunch of guys, so it’s all team stuff. (Niko) Castillo had a bunch of great blocks.”

Reber echoed his coach’s remarks, giving credit to the offensive line and fellow backfield teammate Castillo. “The key was the line up front. They did what they had to do, blocked well, and Niko Castillo blocked well (too). We did what we had to do to win the game.”

Schuylkill Haven (7-0, 6-0) returns home Friday to host Pine Grove, while Marian (5-2, 4-2) will host Williams Valley.

Game Summary

Schuylkill Haven 55, Marian 14

Mar (5-2, 4-2)        7          7          0          0  —    14

SH (7-0, 6-0)        0          35       20        0  —    55

Mar — Griguoli 38 interception return (Bushati kick)

SH — Reber 36 run (Fessler kick)

Mar — Tom 66 pass from Tirpak (Bushati kick)

SH — Reber 59 run (kick failed)

SH — Reber 19 run (Reber pass from Heim)

SH — Reber 8 run (Fessler kick)

SH — Reber 40 interception return (Fessler kick)

SH — Reber 58 run (Fessler kick)

SH — Reber 58 run (kick failed)

SH — Reber 13 run (Fessler kick)

Team Statistics

Mar-SH

Rushes-Yards — 16-0      39-460

Passes —- 6-10-2      0-1-1

Passing Yards —- 140      0

Total Yards —- 140      460

Fumbles/Lost —- 0-0      2-0

Penalties — 7-45      6-65

Individual Statistics

RUSHING: Marian — Dixon 12-16, Ashfield 2-0, Tirpak 2-(-2), Tom 1 (-14). Schuylkill Haven — Reber 22-309, Castillo 6-53, Goad 3-38, Yoder 3-20, Shappell 2-19, Gerber 1-10, Williams 1-9, Hinnershitz 1-2.

PASSING: Marian — Tirpak 6-10-2, 139. Schuylkill Haven — Heim 0-1-1, 0.

RECEIVING: Marian — Tom 2-68, Griguoli 3-67, Price 1-5. Schuylkill Haven — None.

INTERCEPTIONS: Marian — Griguoli. Schuylkill Haven — Reber 2.