Southfield, Mich. - The Marian football team relied on late game heroics from quarterback Tristan Polk Saturday afternoon, as the redshirt-junior manufactured a game-winning drive in the final three minutes of Saturday's 24-23 win at Lawrence Tech. The late-game victory moves Marian to 3-0 as they navigate through their non-MSFA Midwest contests.

The Knights fell behind quickly Saturday afternoon, as the first of many productive D'Vaun Bentley runs ripped for 64 yards on the opening play from scrimmage. Lawrence Tech capped a quick scoring drive with a Ryan Schuster passing touchdown, taking a 7-0 lead in the first minute of the game. Marian would punt on their opening series of the game, and would have fallen behind by two scores after their second series had they not gotten a massive play from Dwight Lewis III, as the corner forced a fumble at the one-yard line to kill a Blue Devil score. 

Marian would have to punt after getting the defensive stop, but were able to get the ball back before the quarter's end as the defense forced the first kick of the afternoon from Lawrence Tech. The offense marched 70 yards into the second quarter, with a deep pass to Jake Reichard igniting the offense. Tristan Polk capped the scoring drive with a nine-yard scramble, bringing the game to a 7-7 tie.

Lawrence Tech would move the ball at will on Marian for the rest of the half, but saw their first of two series end in mishaps, with Deon Pettiford intercepting Ryan Schuster to end one drive while a missed field goal stalled another. The Knights would threaten to score just before halftime off the missed kick, but a pass from Polk inside the red zone was intercepted, as his pass was behind Max Autry in the end zone. Lawrence Tech would run out the final 1:02 of the first half by driving into field goal range, as Vincent Robinson converted a 21-yard kick to give the home team a 10-7 lead at the intermission.

After halftime, the Knights adjusted well and drove deep into Lawrence Tech territory on the opening series of the third quarter, but saw a goal-to-go opportunity end in a fumble, turning the ball away. The Blue Devils looked to add to their lead quickly as a big play after the fumble flipped the field, but a tipped pass by Wyatt Woodall resulted in a Jayshawn Underwood interception, preserving the 10-7 score. With a muffed fumble aiding the Knights offense, the interception turned into points as Polk threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Riley Palmeter, with the third-year player hauling in his first collegiate touchdown to give Marian the lead.

The lead would be short-lived as Lawrence Tech answered with an 80-yard touchdown drive, going back on top 17-14 with under two minutes to play in the third quarter. A series of punts would be exchanged until the Knights were able to dent the scoreboard next, with Kenny Curry converting a 39-yard field goal to tie the game. Marian would hold on defensively until 3:10 remaining, as the tie was broken once again with Bentley scoring from 17 yards out. Lawrence Tech would miss the extra point as the chance was deflected following a low snap, giving Marian a spark with 3:10 to play.

Trailing 23-17, Polk took the offense the length of the field, getting a pair of defensive penalties to help move the ball over midfield. A strike to Tirae Spence picked up a chunk of 13 yards, while a 24-yard scramble from the quarterback moved Marian down to the seven yard line. Two plays after the scramble, Polk connected with Spence in the back of the end zone for a 12-yard score, tying the game. Curry converted the ensuing point-after-try to give his team a 24-23 lead, ending the scoring in the contest. Lawrence Tech would attempt to get into field goal range on their final possession, but saw their last-ditch effort end as JT Downey sealed the win with an interception.

Marian's 24-23 win came at any way possible, as the Knights were out-gained 640-371, despite calling seven more offensive plays and forcing five turnovers. Polk passed for 173 yards and two scores in the win, while running for a career-best 54 yards and his fourth rushing TD of the season. Keagan La Belle ran for 115 yards in the win, and Reichard led the receivers with 80 yards on four catches. Spence hauled in three passes on 10 targets, scoring the game-winning touchdown. Underwood led the defense with nine total tackles, while Downey had eight and Pettiford made seven. Each of the top-three tacklers for the Knights recorded an interception. 

The Knights finish their first month of the season on the road next Saturday, traveling to Taylor to take on the 4-0 Trojans, who are coming off a 67-35 win over Kentucky Christian. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. from Upland. 

MUKnights.com: Your online source for Marian Athletics, tickets, multimedia, Knight merchandise, photos and more.