Kiski Area's football team has not looked very impressive over the last four weeks. Following a 3-1 start to the season, the Cavaliers have dropped four straight games, the last two coming against Woodland Hills and McKeesport by a combined score of 113-6.

The two games prior to that, Kiski bowed to Northern Conference foes Penn Hills (64-28) and Hampton (34-31).

But the Cavaliers (3-5, 2-3) are still hopeful of making the WPIAL playoffs.

“Our goals are still the same as before the season,” said Kiski coach Sam Albert. “We want to make the playoffs and see how far we can go.”

A win Friday against visiting Mars (7-1, 4-1) would do wonders for those postseason hopes and the team's morale.

“The last two games were exhibition games and we didn't play our top guys,” said Albert. “Before that, we were dealing with some injuries. It's good to get back into conference play.”

“Kiski is a young football team,” said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. “Sometimes, a team like that gets down on the scoreboard and they start to lose confidence, get down on themselves. But they still have something to play for and it's going to be their Senior Night.”

Kiski's offense revolves around quarterback Ryne Wallace, who is in his first year as a starter. The junior has thrown for 1,604 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Running back Drew DiNunzio-Biss had totaled 235 yards on the ground and six touchdowns before being held out the last few weeks with an injury. He is expected to play Friday.

“To be a good team, we need to be able to run and pass the ball, like Mars does,” said Albert. “Ryne is getting better and better every game.”

Defensively, the Cavaliers will have their hands full with a Mars offense that is averaging 263 yards rushing per game. Senior fullback Garrett Reinke rushed for 222 yards and five touchdowns last week in a 49-14 win at Fox Chapel.

Mars' offensive line consists of center Remy Crofutt, guards Gio Cuzzocrea and Hunter Boyd, tackles Dalton Becker and Michael Carmody and tight end Mitchell Wright.

“They're getting used to each other,” Heinauer said. “They understand the system. We have a lot of experience at the skill positions and that helps.”

Albert previously was the head coach at Valley, Butler, Freeport and Highlands.

“He (Heinauer) is a great coach,” Albert said. “His teams are always well-coached and disciplined. We battled against each other back when I coached at Freeport and Highlands and it's no different now.”

Mars has already clinched a postseason berth, but wins over Kiski Area Friday and Hampton the following week would guarantee the Planets of hosting a first-round game.

“That would be huge,” said Heinauer. “We need to take care of our business.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.