Similar recipe
ADAMS TWP — The more things change, the more they stay the same.
At least that is the case when it comes to Mars football.
The Planets may be a Class 4-A team now and will face some unfamiliar opponents in the newly-formed Northwest Nine Conference.
But the recipe for success remains a constant for head coach Scott Heinauer — a strong running game coupled with a stingy defense.
The former is in good hands with senior fullback Isaiah Johnson running behind a line that will include returning starters Hunter Cooper and Zach Kramm at the tackle positions and Anthony Grieco at guard.
Cooper is a three-year letter winner and Kramm has earned two letters.
“All three of those guys have started and they know how the game is played,” said Heinauer. “They know what is expected and they know our system (Wing-T). That's a big factor as opposed to having guys who aren't familiar with it.”
Wingbacks Max Chizmar and Garrett Reinke will look to grab a share of the duties on the ground. Chizmar gained 182 yards and scored a touchdown on 27 carries last season while Reinke scored three touchdowns and gained 86 yards while filling in for an injured Johnson in the WPIAL semifinals against Central Valley.
“Wingbacks are very critical to what we do,” said Heinauer. “They block for the fullback and the fullback blocks for them.”
Questions surround Mars' quarterback situation after the graduation of Sam Morrissey, who threw for 1,446 yards and 18 touchdowns a year ago. Senior Noah Wright (6-foot, 190 pounds) has won the starting job, but is playing his first season of varsity football.
“He's got the first shot,” said Heinauer. “He's been working all summer. He's a wrestler, so he has competitive skills and he's fast.”
Sophomore Tyler Kowalkowski may also get a chance to lead the Planet offense.
Mars also has holes to fill on the receiving end of the passes. Last season, the team totaled 80 receptions, but 77 of those were lost to graduation.
Senior Ben Perdziola brings good size (6-3, 180) to the wideout position. Kevin Weigand could see time at both receiver and tight end.
The Planets are a bit more defined on defense, where six starters return. They include Nick Schriver (nose guard), Kramm (tackle), Paul King (end), Grieco and Chizmar (linebackers) and Johnson (cornerback).
Chizmar was an All-Greater Allegheny Conference first team pick last year as a junior.
“We scrimmaged Beaver Falls (last week),” said Heinauer. “They are a veteran team and probably the strongest Beaver Falls team in a while. Their offense took it to us at the beginning, then our kids caught up and we were fine.”
Caleb Brake returns as the team's kicker after making 9-of-12 field goals last season and managing eight touchbacks on kickoffs. He will also handle the punting duties. In 2015, he punted just three times for a 31-yard average.
“He spent all summer working on punting,” said Heinauer. “As a kicker, I think he belongs up there with the best we've had. He has a lot of athletic ability. He's smart and that helps.”
Heinauer counts South Fayette, New Castle and Montour as the teams to beat in the Northwest Nine.
“They all have good coaches and good athletes,” he said.
