A contrast in styles.

That is what Mars' home football game Friday against University Prep is shaping up to be.

Even though the Planets are throwing the football more than usual — senior quarterback Sam Morrissey has thrown for 530 yards and eight touchdowns — the team's bread and butter remains the ground attack.

Mars is averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game, led by Isaiah Johnson's 579 yards and six touchdowns.

Meanwhile, University Prep senior quarterback Shawn Rutherford has completed 56-of-96 passes for 882 yards with 12 touchdowns and just one interception.

His top targets are wideouts Kenny Robinson (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) and Darious Shields (5-10, 185), who have combined for 33 receptions for 572 yards and eight scores.

The Purple Eagles (3-1), a Class AAA team from Pittsburgh's City League, are coming off a 28-22 victory over rival Perry.

“They've got some good athletes and run a wide open offense,” said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. “They pass the ball 75 percent of the time. On defense, they blitz a lot.”

Heinauer is looking for better fundamental play out of his team this week after a sloppy effort in a 28-13 victory at Greensburg Salem last Friday.

The team allowed several lengthy drives to the winless Golden Lions and was penalized 10 times for 88 yards.

“We can't give up sustained drives,” said Heinauer. “We're the ones who want to do that to other teams. We need to get back to playing good fundamental football. Some of our kids have gotten away from that.”

Friday's contest precedes four straight Greater Allegheny Conference games to close the regular season for Mars.

University Prep coach Lou Berry could not be reached for comment.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Mars Athletic Complex.

A-C Valley at Clarion-Limestone7 p.m. TodayWhat to look for: The Falcons (0-4, 0-2) dropped a 24-8 decision to Moniteau last week; C-L (2-2, 0-2) outscored Smethport 40-20. ... Senior Evan Redding scored A-C Valley's first offensive TD of the season against Moniteau. ... Lions' QB Anthony Louder has passed for 895 yards and 10 TDs.

Steel Valley at Freeport 7 p.m. FridayWhat to look for: The Yellowjackets (4-0) handled West Shamokin 42-14 last week while the Ironmen (4-0) picked up a 27-21 win over Seton-La Salle; Freeport is 2-4 all-time vs. Steel Valley. The teams last met in 1995. ... Yellowjackets QB Ryan Weigold has 996 yards passing and thrown for 12 TDs. ... Tre Earl Edwards leads the Ironmen with 321 passing yards and has thrown 9 TDs.

Union at Redbank Valley 7 p.m. FridayWhat to look for: The Golden Knights (2-2, 1-1) beat Punxsutawney 20-14 last week; the Bulldogs (3-1, 1-1) beat up Brookville 33-7. ... Union rushed for 323 yards in a win over the Chucks, including 167 yards from Cole Morris and 137 from Dugan Gallagher. ... Redbank Valley has three consecutive wins over the Golden Knights. ... The Bulldogs have a balanced offense, averaging 173 yards rushing and 130 passing per game.

Titusville at Grove City7 p.m., FridayWhat to look for: Kameron Patterson continues to be a bright spot for Grove City (0-4, 0-3). The junior QB has thrown for 684 yards and four TDs while completing 64 percent of his passes. He's also the leading rusher with 138 yards and two scores. ... Titusville (0-4, 0-3) has struggled mightily on defense, coughing up 35 or more points in every game and 154 points in four games already this season.

Summit Academy at Shady Side Academy 7 p.m. FridayWhat to look for: The Knights (0-4, 0-4) lost to Valley 35-8 last week; the Indians (1-3, 1-3) lost to Deer Lakes. ... This game will be broadcast on television on WPNT, which is also known as 22-the-point. ... Summit Academy is 1-9 all-time against Shady Side Academy.

Riverside at CW North Catholic 7 p.m. FridayWhat to look for: The Panthers fell to 2-2 with a 38-22 loss to Rochester last week; the Trojans improved to 4-0 with a 41-6 win over Brentwood. ... Riverside QB Jason Dambach has passed for 1,293 yards and 15 TDs. ... North Catholic QB Erick Taylor is second in Butler County in passing, having thrown for 728 yards and 8 scores.