Mars quarterback Josh Keil takes the snap and turns toward his fullback.

Just like that, a flash of blue and gold streaks beyond the line of scrimmage, leaving defenders in its wake.

That's how Paul Ferrese has taken control of the Mars ground attack.

Through four games, the junior has rushed for 571 yards and is gaining seven yards every time he carries the ball.

Ferrese has also scored all eight of the Planets' touchdowns this season (seven rushing, one kickoff return).

The 48 points are the most by any Butler County player.

"In our offense, the fullback is like the tailback because he's going to get most of the carries," said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "And with Paul, he's so small, the next thing you know, he's right on top of the defense. He's very hard to bring down."

Standing 5-foot-8 and weighing 160 pounds, Ferrese's success was bred in one place: the weight room.

"During the off-season, I lift for two hours every weekday," said Ferrese, who has no problem running into the heart of defenses.

"The coaches like plays where I'm running wide so I can utilize my speed," said Ferrese. "But personally, I like taking the football right up the middle and breaking tackles. That's when my strong legs come into play."

In 2003, Ferrese gained 155 yards on 40 rushes and two touchdowns.

"Last year, I got in for a few carries," said Ferrese. "But I didn't get all that much playing time.

"Coming into this season, I just wanted to produce for this team and show people what I can do."

What Ferrese has done so far includes three 100-yard rushing games, just missing the century mark in the season opener against Pine-Richland (99 yards).He's rushed for scores from distances of 70, 67, 51, 39 and 37 yards. The kickoff return came from 95 yards."Paul is usually back there on kickoffs," said Heinauer. "But a lot of times teams will kick to one of our wing guys."It didn't take long for Heinauer and his staff to find their offensive workhorse."We knew the first day of summer practice he'd be our man," said Heinauer. "We felt he could come in and carry the load and he's done a great job so far.""I am a bit surprised at the numbers I've put up," said Ferrese. "But our line's been opening some holes for me and I'm just running through them."Ferrese also starts at cornerback on the Mars defense."He's been playing solid in the defensive backfield as well," Heinauer added.Heinauer has coached several big-play backs in his stay at Mars, including Chuck Green (1994-96), Brandon Mueller (1997-99) and Brad Mueller (2000-02)."I really can't say Paul is similar to any of them," he said. "Every back has his own unique style."But Ferrese knows there is room for improvement in several areas of his game."On offense, I've got to become a better blocker," he said. "And my tackling needs to improve on defense."For Ferrese, all the big runs he's had are geared toward one thing."Our goal is to make the playoffs," he said. "But when we get behind, we seem to get down on ourselves. I guess we've just got to go out, get an early lead and hold it so we don't have to worry about coming from behind."