Saturday afternoon cannot come soon enough for Scott Heinauer.

The Mars football coach watched his team give up 278 rushing yards and 27 points to Laurel Monday night; and those were just the second half numbers as the Spartans took the Tri-County North match-up by a score of 50-15.

"This football team needs to become more consistent," said Heinauer. "And it all starts in practice. That's where we're hoping we can begin to turn things around."

The Planets (1-3, 1-1) will look to get back on the right track in conference play when they travel to Summit Academy Saturday for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff.

Both teams had their most recent game pushed back to Monday as the Knights were blown out by Neshannock 49-6.

"It won't be much different with how we prepare for this game," Heinauer said of the four-day layoff between games. "If we were playing Friday, then that would really make a difference. But it's a Saturday game so it won't affect us."

After missing a game with an injured throwing shoulder, Mars' sophomore quarterback D.J. Cannon saw action in two offensive series in Monday's loss.

Fellow sophomore Josh Keil started the game and saw most of the action under center. He completed one of five passes for 11 yards.

The decision as to who will start against Summit Academy will be made closer to game day.

"We simply can't make that decision right now," said Heinauer. "We'll have to see how D.J. is and how things work out in practice."

Injury has also affected the team's kicking game.

Standout place kicker and punter Tim Wirtz missed Monday's game with an injured kicking leg. For the time being, those duties will be handled by Tyler Pasky.

Pasky was 1-of-2 on extra point attempts Monday night.

With Mars' Paul Ferrese averaging 143 yards rushing per game, the Knights' defense could be in for another long day.

Summit's defense has been run into the ground by Beaver (239 rushing yards), New Brighton (345) and Neshannock (256).

The Knights (0-4, 0-2) have been outscored 173-34 in four games and have surrendered at least 35 points in every game.

Summit Academy quarterback Tyrell Knight is a big-play threat, evidenced by his 83-yard rushing touchdown in Monday's defeat.