Paryss Marshall didn't have any doubts about his team's opening-game performance despite the Roughies lost a core of seniors from a team that posted 12 wins and suffered their lone defeat in the District 11 Class 2A championship game last year.

When his team posted 40 points in the opening quarter against Wilson, Marshall wasn't surprised. Instead, he did more than his share with a pair of touchdown passes and a 48-yard interception return for a touchdown that easily could have been included in any highlight film.

For Marshall, it hopefully was the first chapter in a series of highlights for the senior wide receiver/defensive back this fall. He is certainly focusing his efforts in that direction as Marshall is optimistic that he can gain a better read on situation on both sides of the ball for the Roughies.

Last season, Marshall caught 44 passes for 900 yards and caught 13 touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball, while he recorded 55 solo tackles, nine interceptions and a fumble recovery from his safety position.

His efforts were strong enough to garner him first-team Colonial League selections offensively and defensively and was recognized as an all-state small school selection defensively.

"It really wasn't surprising," said Marshall about his team's convincing 40-7 victory over Wilson. "People thought it might take us a while because we lost some people from last year.

"But we worked very hard during the summer and we were very anxious to get back on the field. Defensively, we had a good read on them and we were able to figure them out. I have been working to read defenses better wherever I am playing. I'll keep working on that all season."

Marshall had some strong preliminary results when he snared an interception practically with one arm, dragged an offensive player for more than a few years, and then took off to end zone. Offensively, he made two impressive catches using his leaping ability and overall quickness as he hauled in touchdown passes of 15 and 20 yards from quarterback Zack Bradley in spite of being ticketed as the Roughies' prime passing option.

Head coach Tom Falzone believes Marshall's potential as a player is on the rise after he missed most of his sophomore year due to a series of injuries.

"He (Marshall) has all the natural tendencies for a wide receiver," said Falzone about his 6-foot-1, 190-pound standout. "He has nice hands and runs sound patterns. (Marshall) worked very hard speed and quickness during the summer.

"On defense, he always seems to be around the ball. He has really excelled in reading passing routes and gets a great jump on the ball. He has all the makings of having an outstanding year for us and he really should shine this year."

Marshall, who is normally soft-spoken, has allowed his actions to make his mark. He has deflected any personal accolades toward a team-concept and has continued to avert the earlier references in his career to being the son of former NBA great Donyell Marshall.

Instead, Marshall is heading to establishing his own legacy.

"My goal is play Division I football and work to play in the NFL," said Marshall. "But we are all working toward winning districts and go far in the state playoffs. I know I have to keep working on my speed and break away and shut down people.

"It is a matter of taking one step at a time."

With Marshall's production and potential, those could be some very big steps ahead.