Eagle Staff Writer

The Mars football team got just what it needed - a clean slate.

After dropping their first two games by a combined score of 96-27, the Planets will open up Tri-County North play this week by traveling to Union-New Castle for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday.

"We used those first two games to work out some things on both sides of the ball," said Planets' coach Scott Heinauer. "Not that we weren't trying to win those games, but these kids understand that it is the outcome of conference games that determine whether we make the playoffs or not."

The Planets will be playing their first game since the death of teammate Nick Varrenti, who passed away Monday.

They will be wearing No. 58 on their helmets in his honor.

The Planets' rush defense will need to improve after giving up 574 combined yards in losses to Pine-Richland (48-6) and Center (48-21).

"We've had a lot of missed tackles," said Heinauer. "Our kids have made good initial hits, but haven't been able to finish the job."

Union senior quarterback Bob Burkes brings both passing and running ability to his position.

After the Scotties lost to defending WPIAL Class A champion Springdale 15-0, Burkes rebounded with two touchdown passes last week in a 26-0 win over Quaker Valley.

"We've made progress and that's the key," said Union coach Stacy Robinson. "(Burkes) does like to make plays with his legs, that's his forte. But he throws the ball pretty well too."

This is Burkes first year as a full-time starter, though he did start two games in both his sophomore and junior campaigns.

"That experience has helped him grow as a quarterback," said Robinson.

Josh Hedland caught both of Burkes' touchdown passes last week (21, 17).

Mars has a playmaker of its own in fullback Paul Ferrese.

The junior rushed for 171 yards and all three of his team's scores in last week's loss.

Not lost with Heinauer is the play of his offensive line.

With Brian Juda at center, Ryan Nearhoof and Corey Williams at guard, David Guzak and Pete King at tackle and Matt Whittington at tight end, the Planets will be looking to continue their success on the ground.

"We're one of the smallest schools in western Pennsylvania," said Robinson. "We usually have the skill kids, but it's up front where we struggle to find players.

"We're almost always undersized on the lines and that will be the case this week."

Mars' sophomore quarterback D.J. Cannon left last week's game with an injured throwing shoulder. Fellow sophomore Josh Keil will start Friday.

Keil completed seven of 12 passes for 40 yards last week in relief.

"The key for us is to protect the football on offense," said Heinauer. "We had three turnovers last week and all three led to touchdowns. Things aren't going to go your way when that happens."