Marian Catholic Returns Powerful Core Looking to Climb Back Into District Contention
Marian Catholic enters the 2026 season with a roster capable of taking another step in the Colonial-Schuylkill League.
After finishing 7-4 a year ago and reaching the District 2/11 Class 1A Subregional semifinals, the Colts return an experienced quarterback, one of the area’s best two-way linemen, a veteran defensive front and several versatile skill players.
Head coach Billy O’Gurek believes the foundation is in place for another successful season, but several important questions must be answered.
Marian Catholic must replace standout linemen Jah Bushati and Damian Rodino, along with receiver/defensive back Jake Tom and defensive back Matt Spino.
The Colts also received another significant offseason development when standout running back and defensive back Rory Dixon elected not to play football this season to concentrate on wrestling.
Dixon leaves behind an impressive résumé after rushing for 1,021 yards and 15 touchdowns while earning Pennsylvania Football Writers Class 1A All-State honors, PFN Coaches Class 1A All-State Second Team recognition, All-EasternPAFootball First Team honors and selection to the T102 Sports Tremendous 33 Team.
Replacing that level of production won’t be easy.
Fortunately for Marian Catholic, the Colts return experienced players throughout the lineup and possess one of the better defensive fronts in District 11 Class 1A.
Colts Built Strong Foundation in 2025
Marian Catholic opened last season by winning its first five games.
Victories over Hanover Area, Tri-Valley, Panther Valley, Shenandoah Valley and Mahanoy Area established the Colts as one of the early surprises in the Colonial-Schuylkill League.
The middle portion of the schedule proved much more challenging.
Losses to Minersville Area, Schuylkill Haven and Williams Valley temporarily slowed the Colts’ momentum.
Marian responded with convincing wins over Pine Grove Area and Nativity BVM to finish the regular season 7-3 before falling to Tri-Valley, 3-0, in the District 2/11 Class 1A Subregional semifinals.
Despite the disappointing playoff finish, the season provided valuable experience for many of the players returning in 2026.
Those lessons should help a veteran core pursue another postseason opportunity.
Tirpak Ready to Lead the Offense
Senior quarterback Gregory Tirpak returns after another productive season directing the Colts’ offense.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound signal caller completed 58 of 101 passes for 1,010 yards and accounted for nine touchdowns.
Tirpak enters the season with another year of experience, improved command of the offense and several familiar targets.
His development will become even more important following Dixon’s departure.
Marian Catholic may rely more heavily on its passing game at times, making Tirpak’s decision-making and efficiency essential.
The Colts don’t need him to force big plays.
Instead, they need him to continue distributing the football, protecting possessions and taking advantage of favorable matchups.
His leadership should help younger offensive linemen adjust as they step into larger roles.
Price Returns as Offensive Playmaker
Senior Tyler Price may become the centerpiece of Marian Catholic’s offense.
Price produced in multiple ways last season, rushing for 216 yards while catching 19 passes for 309 yards and finishing with seven total touchdowns.
At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Price combines size, athleticism and versatility.
He can line up at wide receiver, contribute in the running game and create mismatches against smaller defensive backs.
With Dixon no longer in the backfield, Price could see additional touches in a variety of ways.
His versatility allows the coaching staff to move him throughout the formation depending on the opponent.
Whether catching passes, taking handoffs or contributing after the catch, Price has the ability to become one of the most dangerous offensive players in District 11 Class 1A.
Griguoli Creates Matchup Problems
Senior tight end Rocco Griguoli gives Tirpak another dependable target.
At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, Griguoli possesses the size to create matchup problems over the middle while also serving as an important blocker in the running game.
He caught 14 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns last season.
His combination of length and athleticism should make him a valuable red-zone target.
Griguoli also starts at defensive end, making him one of the Colts’ most important two-way players.
His versatility gives Marian Catholic flexibility on both sides of the football.
Replacing Dixon Will Be Team Effort
Dixon’s decision to focus on wrestling creates one of the biggest offseason storylines.
His production extended far beyond the rushing game.
He also caught 10 passes, scored 16 total touchdowns and intercepted five passes on defense.
Replacing one player with those statistics is unrealistic.
Instead, Marian Catholic expects several players to assume larger responsibilities.
Price should see more offensive opportunities.
Fullback Jason Ashfield returns to provide physicality in the running game.
Tirpak’s continued development should also allow the passing attack to become more consistent.
The Colts may look different offensively, but they still possess enough talent to remain productive.
Young Offensive Line Must Develop
One of Marian Catholic’s biggest priorities this preseason is rebuilding the offensive line.
The Colts return veterans Dominick Rodino, Billy Ebert and Walker Sheer, but must replace two graduated starters.
Rodino, listed at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, returns after another productive season.
Ebert brings tremendous size at 5-foot-11 and 320 pounds, while Sheer adds length at 6-foot-4.
The coaching staff believes the progress of the younger offensive linemen will determine the offense’s overall success.
The line must establish the running game, protect Tirpak and help the Colts become more efficient offensively.
Marian Catholic emphasized the importance of playing more complementary football this season.
That begins with consistent play in the trenches.
Experienced Defensive Front Headlines Unit
The Colts may have their greatest strength on defense.
All four starting defensive linemen return.
Ashfield, Rodino, Ebert and Griguoli give Marian Catholic one of the most experienced defensive fronts in Class 1A.
That continuity provides a tremendous advantage entering the season.
The group understands the defensive system, communicates well and has already proven it can compete against strong competition.
Their ability to control the line of scrimmage should allow the linebackers to play aggressively.
The coaching staff believes that foundation gives the defense significant potential.
Rodino Anchors Defensive Interior
Rodino returns after producing one of the best all-around defensive seasons on the roster.
He recorded 27 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, one interception and returned that interception for a touchdown.
Those numbers illustrate his ability to impact games in multiple ways.
Rodino can stop the run, pressure quarterbacks and create turnovers.
As one of the leaders of the defensive front, he will be expected to continue setting the tone physically.
His experience should also help younger defenders settle into expanded roles.
Price Moves to Middle Linebacker
One of the biggest defensive changes involves Price.
After playing an outside linebacker/strong safety hybrid role, he will move inside to middle linebacker.
The coaching staff believes his athleticism, physicality and football instincts make him an ideal fit.
Price recorded 40 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss and five interceptions last season.
Those numbers demonstrate his ability to impact every area of the defense.
Moving him inside should allow him to become even more involved.
He will be responsible for directing the defense, fitting the run and helping organize the front seven.
His leadership will be critical throughout the season.
Opportunistic Defense Looks for More Turnovers
Marian Catholic’s defense built its success around creating takeaways.
The Colts intercepted 20 passes last season and expect that emphasis to continue.
The coaching staff wants the defense to play fast, physical football while capitalizing on every turnover opportunity.
Returning defensive back Dante Tate contributes significantly to that philosophy.
Tate intercepted three passes last season, including one returned for a touchdown.
His instincts and ball skills give Marian Catholic another playmaker in the secondary.
The combination of an experienced defensive line and opportunistic defensive backs should allow the Colts to remain aggressive throughout the season.
Physical Identity Remains Priority
Marian Catholic wants its defense to reflect toughness.
The coaching staff emphasized playing physical football and winning at the line of scrimmage.
Returning all four defensive linemen provides an excellent starting point.
Ashfield, Rodino, Ebert and Griguoli should consistently challenge opposing offensive lines.
If the defensive front controls games, the linebackers and secondary will have more opportunities to create turnovers.
That formula worked well last season and remains central to the Colts’ defensive philosophy.
Special Teams Enter Transition
Special teams represent one of the biggest areas of change.
Graduated seniors Bushati and Tom handled the kicking duties last season.
Replacing both specialists will require adjustments.
Tyler Rebarchak is expected to assume the placekicking responsibilities.
The punting duties will likely be shared between Price and Tirpak.
Both players possess strong arms and athletic ability, giving the coaching staff multiple options.
The return game, however, remains a strength.
Tate and Price both contributed as returners last season and are expected to continue in those roles.
Their experience provides stability while the Colts develop new specialists.
Players to Watch
Gregory Tirpak, Sr., QB: Veteran quarterback who threw for 1,010 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
Tyler Price, Sr., WR/LB: Dynamic two-way standout expected to become one of the team’s primary offensive weapons while moving to middle linebacker.
Rocco Griguoli, Sr., TE/DE: Versatile two-way starter who combines size, athleticism and physical play.
Dominick Rodino, Sr., OL/DT: Outstanding defensive lineman who recorded 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and an interception.
Jason Ashfield, Sr., FB/DE: Physical two-way player expected to anchor both the running game and defensive front.
Billy Ebert, Sr., OL/DT: Massive interior lineman who provides size and experience.
Walker Sheer, Sr., OL: Returning offensive lineman expected to help lead a developing front.
Dante Tate, Sr., DB: Ball-hawking defensive back with three interceptions and a defensive touchdown in 2025.
Tyler Rebarchak, Jr., K: Expected to assume the placekicking duties following graduation losses.
My thoughts on Marian Catholic
Marian Catholic enters the 2026 season with legitimate expectations of returning to postseason contention.
The Colts return an experienced quarterback, versatile skill players and one of the strongest defensive lines in District 11 Class 1A.
The biggest challenges involve replacing Dixon’s production, rebuilding portions of the offensive line and developing new specialists.
If the young offensive linemen mature quickly, Tirpak should have enough protection to maximize an experienced group of pass catchers.
Price appears poised for a breakout senior season, while Griguoli remains one of the area’s top two-way tight ends.
Defensively, Marian Catholic has the personnel to become one of the better units in the Colonial-Schuylkill League.
Returning all four starting defensive linemen provides a significant advantage, and Price’s move to middle linebacker gives the Colts an athletic leader in the center of the defense.
The emphasis on creating turnovers should continue after recording 20 interceptions a season ago.
Division C once again features talented opponents, but Marian Catholic has enough returning experience to challenge for another playoff berth.
If the offensive line develops, the new specialists provide consistency and the defense continues to force turnovers, the Colts have every opportunity to improve upon last year’s 7-4 record and make a deeper postseason run.
Head Coach: Billy O’Gurek
Assistant Coaches:
Charles “Chink” Connely
JD Hackenberg
Jim McHugh
Scott Marek
Scott Grochowski
Julian Cerullo
Matt Giannelli
Josh Skotek
Carter Eckman
Team Name: Marian Catholic Colts
District: 11
Class: 1A
League: Colonial-Schuylkill League, Division C
2025 Record: 7-4
8/22 @ Hanover Area (3A) 7:00 pm W 42-24
8/29 Tri-Valley* (1A) 7:00 pm W 17-14
9/05 @ Panther Valley* (3A) 7:00 pm W 39-12
9/12 Shenandoah Valley* (2A) 7:00 pm W 34-6
9/19 @ Mahanoy Area* (2A) 7:00 pm W 35-13
9/27 Minersville Area* (2A) 7:00 pm L 7-38 Homecoming
10/03 @ Schuylkill Haven* (2A) 7:00 pm L 14-55
10/10 Williams Valley* (2A) 7:00 pm L 10-56
10/17 @ Pine Grove Area* (3A) 7:00 pm W 35-0
10/23 Nativity BVM* (1A) 7:00 pm W 41-14
10/31 Tri-Valley (1A) 7:00 pm L 0-3 District 2/11 Class 1A Subregional Semifinal Semifinal
2026 Schedule:
Date Opponent Kickoff
8/22 Upper Dauphin (2A) 10:00 am Scrimmage
8/28 Palmerton Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/04 @ Panther Valley (3A) 7:00 pm
9/11 @ Tamaqua Area (3A) 7:00 pm
9/18 Minersville Area* (2A) 7:00 pm
9/26 Shenandoah Valley* (2A) 7:00 pm Homecoming
10/02 @ Tri-Valley* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/09 Nativity BVM* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/16 @ Williams Valley* (1A) 7:00 pm
10/23 Mahanoy Area* (2A) 7:00 pm
10/30 @ Schuylkill Haven* (2A) 7:00 pm
Key Starters Lost:
Jah Bushati – OL / LB
Damian Rodino – OL / LB
Jake Tom – WR / DB
Matt Spino – DB
Rory Dixon – RB/DB (Not playing football this year. concentrating on Wrestling)
Offensive Starters Returning:
QB Gregory Tirpak, 6-2, 195
FB Jason Ashfield, 6-0, 230
TE Rocco Griguoli, 6-4, 220
WR Tyler Price, 6-2, 220
OL Dominick Rodino, 6-2, 225
OL Billy Ebert, 5-11, 320
OL Walker Sheer, 6-4, 185
Defensive Starters Returning:
DE Jason Ashfield, 6-0, 230
DT Dominick Rodino, 6-2, 225
DT Billy Ebert, 5-11, 320
DE Rocco Griguoli, 6-4, 220
LB Tyler Price, 6-2, 220
DB Dante Tate, 5-7, 145
Key Newcomers:
Sophomore QB-DB Cole Grochowski, 6-1, 210
Senior WR-DB Nolan Marsch, 5-9, 160
Senior WR-DB-K Tyler Rebarchak, 5-9, 150
Junior FB-LB Loegan Joseph, 5-11, 170
Junior WR-DB Mitchel Knock, 6-2, 210
Junior OL-DL Jack LeClair, 6-0, 220
Junior OL-DL Nick Polakovic, 6-0, 180
Freshman OL-DL Daniel Archer, 6-0, 190
2026 Returning Player Stats:
Tyler Price
43 carries – 216 rush yards, 19 catches – 309 receiving yards, 7 total TDs
40 solo tackles, 10 TFL, 5 interceptions
Rocco Griguoli
14 catches – 206 receiving yards – 2 total TDs
Gregory Tirpak
58/101 – 1,010 pass yards – 9 total TDs
Dominick Rodino
27 solo tackles – 10 TFL – 3 sacks – 1 INT – 1 defensive TD
Dante Tate
3 interceptions – 1 defensive TD
2026 Offensive Outlook: Return strong nucleus of skill players from last year. Need to replace two starting OL and RB. The progress our young offensive linemen make will be key. Becoming more efficient on offense and playing more complementary football will be important to our success.
2026 Defensive Outlook: Excited about our defensive potential. All four starting defensive linemen return, which is a good start. Tyler Price will move from our OLB/SS hybrid to MLB this season. We will stress tough, physical play on defense and continuing to be opportunistic with turnover opportunities like we were last season when we had 20 interceptions in the season.
2026 Special Teams Outlook: Both specialists (Jah Bushati & Jake Tom) graduated, so these will be important spots to fill.
Tyler Rebarchak will take over as place kicker.
Punter will be one of Tyler Price or Gregory Tirpak.
Returners will be back. Dante Tate, Tyler Price all returned for us last season and will do so again.