Marion High School running back Trev Biery is like a wrecking ball and he was in demolition mode Friday night.

Just ask the three Maquoketa defenders he barreled over on his way to a 19-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The Indians rode their workhorse to a 25-14 victory against Class 3A district foe Maquoketa on a crisp night at Thomas Park.

The versatile Biery rushed for 145 yards and two scores. He also had an interception return for a touchdown on defense.

Marion (4-1, 2-0) controlled the second half and more specifically the fourth quarter. But it was Maquoketa (3-2, 1-2) that came out of the gate with a spark.

“We didn’t play very well in that first half,” said Marion Coach Tony Perkins. “But then I think we matured as a football team. I think they finally get it and they came out and played exceptional in the second half.”

Maquoketa pounded the ball on the ground with tailback Josh Kirk, who amassed 90 yards rushing with two scores in the first half. Kirk and backup quarterback Blaise Waller fronted the workload for the Cardinals.

The first quarter and a half were scoreless, as both teams were grinding the ball on the ground with no taste of the end zone. Maquoketa broke the stalemate with 7:31 left in the second quarter when Kirk took an option pitch from Waller and scampered in from 14 yards out.

On the ensuing possession, Marion handed the Cardinals great field position on a silver plate. A bobbled exchange between quarterback Trevor Hardman and Andrew Davis caused the ball to pop loose, with Maquoketa falling on the pigskin at the 10-yard line. Kirk punched in an 8-yard score to push Maquoketa ahead 14-0.

But then Marion got a jolt from Biery. On Marion’s next possession, he rumbled in from 15 yards out and then dove in for a two-point conversion to pull the Indians within 14-8. According to Marion lineman Justin Dolley, halftime was crucial.

“Coach just got us really pumped up at halftime. We got the line together and got things rolling,” said Dolley.

The third quarter was scoreless, but the fourth quarter belonged to Biery and the Indians. With 7:13 left in the game and the Indians down by six, they faced a 3rd-and-15 deep in Maquoketa territory. Hardman dropped back to pass, eluded defenders and ran for 19 yards and a first down, keeping their hopes alive.

“Trevor Hardman really grew up tonight,” said Perkins. “He has been rushed a lot this season in the passing game but tonight he delivered.”

A few plays later, Biery the bowling ball took a handoff at the 19-yard line and went straight up the gut. He was hit at the 10 but spun off that defender, then ran over a helpless defensive back and dragged three more defenders into the end zone for the touchdown. It was the go-ahead score and an amazing run.

The touchdown made it 14-14 and Ben Kroemer broke the tie with a PAT for a 15-14 lead.

“I have to give credit to the line. They made a huge hole," said Biery. “I like to run people over and keep the legs moving, so I found the hole and just wanted to get in the end zone.”

Dolley appreciates the kind of back he's blocking for.

“I have been playing with Trev my whole life,” said Dolley. “He makes plays and he runs hard.”

After the extra point put them up 15-14, Marion’s defense (led by Biery) took over. With 1:16 left in the game, Waller dropped back to pass and was engulfed by a swarm of Marion defensive linemen. He managed to float a pass before he hit the ground, but it happened to land in Biery’s arms and he proceeded to take it 29 yards for the score and a 21-14 lead. His two-point conversion made it 23-14.

“It’s all the defensive line, I will give them all the credit,” said Biery.

A gang of Indians tackled Kirk in the end zone for a safety on Maquoketa’s next possession, sealing the victory.

The game marked the 150th career win for Perkins. After the game, a jubilant Marion football team and its cheering section celebrated as Perkins enjoyed the moment.

“It's nice when you finally get to that mark,” said Perkins. “One hundred and fifty is very special, especially with all of the kids I have coached at Marion.”

MARION 25, MAQUOKETA 14

MAQ       MAR

First Downs         10        14
Rushing             44-100    37-179
Passing             4-9-1     5-10-1
Passing Yards       57        51
Punts               4-31      5-30
Fumbles/Lost        0-0       1-1
Penalties           4-30      5-35

Maquoketa     0   14   0   0  - 14
Marion        0    8   0   17 - 25

MAQ: Josh Kirk 14 run (Cory Wirth kick)
MAQ: Kirk 8 run (Wirth kick)
MAR: Trev Biery 15 run (Biery run)
MAR: Biery 19 run (Ben Kroemer kick)
MAR: Biery 29 interception return (Biery run)
MAR: Defensive safety

Individual Statistics

Rushing
Maquoketa: Josh Kirk 28-102, Blaise Waller 16-minus 2
Marion: Trev Biery 23-145, Colton Mowry 10-24, Trevor Hardman 3-8, Tyler Gunderson 1-2

Passing
Maquoketa: Waller 4-9-1, 57 yards
Marion: Hardman 5-10-1, 51 yards

Receiving
Maquoketa: Bradley Johnson 3-50, Kirk 1-7
Marion: Quinn Cannoy 4-50, Ethan Herren 1-1