Streamwood, Ill. - The Marian football team began their 2023 season with a bang on Saturday afternoon, running away from the Judson Eagles in the second half of their 40-6 season-opening victory. The Knights win under head coach gives the team a 1-0 start, as Marian is now 12-5 all-time in season openers.

The Knights received the opening kickoff and methodically marched the ball down the field, with a 48-yard rip from Christian Hunter headlining the opening drive. A pass interference penalty set Marian up in the red zone, and on a third and long Zach Bundalo connected with Jalen Jennings for a 10-yard score, as the senior connection helped give Marian a quick 7-0 lead.

Judson committed a three-and-out on their first possession, and after a punt return from Armani Glass set the Knights up with great field position, six runs from William Gibson covered all 28-yards on the drive, as the senior plunged in from three yards out to provide a 14-0 lead. The Eagles would answer with an 80-yard scoring drive of their own after a big play provided the score, however the extra point was blocked by the Knights, keeping an eight-point lead. The scoring subsided for both sides as the first quarter came to its close, as penalty flags stalled out the final drive for both Marian and Judson. 

Leading 14-6 going into the second quarter, Marian was unable to sustain a drive on each of their first two possessions in the period, allowing Judson to hang with the Knights. Marian was able to force a pair of punts in the quarter, with the second Judson boot proving costly, as Joe Owens broke through the middle of the blockers and rejected the punt, swatting the ball into the end zone. Owens was able to track the ball and recover in the end zone for his first collegiate touchdown, helping Marian to a 21-6 lead.

The Knights would get the ball one last time in the half, with backup quarterback Tristan Polk leading Marian on a 46-yard drive in 43 seconds, connecting with CJ Young for 38 yards to get in field goal range. Marlon Pomili converted the 39-yard kick as time expired, pushing Marian ahead 24-6 at the half.

After resetting at halftime, the Knights defense dialed in and forced an early punt, giving the offense the ball with 11:33 to play in the third. Backed up at their own three yard line, Christian Hunter plowed ahead for space from the end zone, while Polk was able to gain better field position with a 19-yard strike to Jennings. On the fifth play of the drive, Polk again dialed up Jennings number, hitting the senior in stride on an out-route, and letting the shifty receiver use his legs, as Jennings raced 66-yards to complete the 97 yard scoring drive. 

Jennings' touchdown gave Marian a 31-6 lead, with the strong defensive pass rush getting to Judson and forcing another boot. Marian bled the clock with Gibson on the ground and moved the game into the fourth quarter, where the Knights would make their biggest play of the game. After receiving the ball on their own two yard line following the kick, the Knights needed just two plays to make program history, as William Gibson hit the hole on a second down run and streaked down the Knights' sideline, racing 94 yards to the end zone for the final touchdown of the game. Gibson's run was the longest in program history, surpassing the previous team record set by William Stubbs in 2011 (82 yards). 

Gibson's touchdown put the game out of reach with a 37-6 lead, and on the final offensive drive of the game Pomili would convert another field goal, setting the final score of 40-6.

Offensively the Knights ran the ball for 334 yards in the win while passing for 191, with Gibson leading the Knights with 151 on the ground. Hunter finished with 95 yards, and Keagan La Belle rushed for 50 yards in the fourth quarter. Polk threw for 145 yards while Bundalo had 46 passing yards, with Jennings being the primary target as he had five catches for 108 yards and two scores. 

Marian's defense was led by Nate Frey, who racked up seven total tackles. Dakari Kenney had three sacks in the win, while a plethora of Knights recorded at least one tackle. As a defensive unit, coach Justin Robinson's defense allowed 45 rushing yards and 213 passing yards, while blocking a pair of kicks.

The Knights will come home for their 2023 home opener on Saturday, September 9, as Marian hosts St. Xavier University. Kickoff is set for 6:05 p.m., and a fireworks show will take place after the game is complete. 

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