HERMAN - Summit Academy knew it was coming, but the Knights' efforts to stop the Mars ground attack proved futile.

The Planets churned out 240 yards rushing on 48 carries as they buried the Knights 41-0 Saturday at the Summit Academy football field.

Paul Ferrese gained 131 yards on 20 attempts to lead Mars. He and Matt Kennedy each scored two touchdowns in the rout.

The Planets' defense held Summit Academy to 125 yards in total offense.

Kasil Butler was the Knights' offensive leader with 36 yards on six carries, as his team failed to move the ball consistently all day.

"Coming in we were concerned about their speed," Mars coach Scott Heinauer said. "But I thought we defended against it well today."

Ferrese and Kennedy each scored a touchdown on the ground in the opening quarter, with the former being set up by a 35-yard pass from Josh Keil to Alec Mundy to the Knights' 3-yard line on the first drive of the game. Both two-point conversion attempts were successful and Mars led 16-0 after 12 minutes of play.

Planets backup running back Glen Pegher added a 5-yard scoring run in the second quarter. After a missed extra-point attempt, Mars led 22-0 late in the first half.

With the comfortable lead, Heinauer was able to give several second-string players some playing time while working on his team's passing game.

Keil and D.J. Cannon combined to throw for 160 yards on eight completions.

"We're a running team, but we also knew that we needed to work on our passing," said Heinauer.

Eight Planets got a chance to run the football.

"When you get an early lead like we got today, it gives you a chance to put some different kids in there to see how they respond," the coach said.

Mars had a chance to extend its lead before the break when it lined up for a second-and-6 from the Knight's 10-yard line, but Summit's Donnie Johnson picked off a Cannon pass near the goal line.

Mundy saved a touchdown by tackling Johnson at the Mars 43 and then intercepted a desperation heave by Summit quarterback Tyrell Knight that ended the half.

Knight ended the game completing 4-of-15 passes for 40 yards and two interceptions.

Ferrese added three receptions for 44 yards and Kennedy tallied 41 yards rushing on nine carries.

Mars won the first-down battle 20-7.

The Planets (2-3, 2-1) play at Neshannock Friday for a key Tri-County North Conference game.

"This week it was speed we were defending against," said Heinauer. "(Friday) we'll be looking at a power football team."

The Knights (0-5, 0-3) play at Shenango Friday.

Knights' coach Steve Sherer was unavailable for comment following the game.