The Mars football team has put itself in good position for a stretch run toward a 2005 playoff berth.

But in coach Scott Heinauer's mind, that's no reason for his players to rest on their laurels.

"When only three teams from your conference make the playoffs, every game is as important as the next," said Heinauer. "There are a lot of (teams) still alive in the playoff race."

With last week's win over Neshannock, the Planets improved to 3-1 in Tri-County North play, 3-3 overall.

They currently are in a second-place tie with Riverside.

Mars looks to continue its drive toward postseason play when it visits Shenango for a rare Saturday night game. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.

The Wildcats (1-5, 1-3) dropped a 28-6 decision to conference foe Summit Academy last week, the team's third consecutive loss.

Shenango's offense lost quarterback Rocco Colavecchia to a broken hand in a loss to Mohawk Sept. 23.

"We were primarily a passing team with Rocco in there," said Shenango coach Brian Cooper. "We've got a couple of good wide receivers, but we're going to struggle getting them the ball now."

Colavecchia did play last week, carrying the ball three times for 29 yards. But it appears the passing duties have fallen on the shoulders of sophomore Aaron Maxwell.

Maxwell completed just nine of 26 passes last week for 90 yards while throwing four interceptions.

"He doesn't throw the ball badly," said Cooper. "It's just a question of making reads and adjusting to defenses."

Shenango's leading receivers include Luke O'Hara (15 catches for 395 yards) and Zach Anderson (14 catches for 172 yards).

The Wildcats' leading ground gainer is running back Spencer Haben, who has tallied 355 yards and five touchdowns.

"We started the year off well," said Cooper. "We lost by just two points (28-26) to Western Beaver and then we had Aliquippa until the final minutes (a 13-6 loss).

"We beat Neshannock (38-14), but since then we've been unable to put it together. With the injury to Rocco, it feels like the beginning of the season. We're trying to find out what part of our team we can lean on."

Mars quarterback D.J. Cannon is averaging more than 100 yards passing per game and has thrown for eight scores.

The success of any passing game begins with solid protection up front, something the Planets have received.

The Planets' line currently consists of center Andy Howcroft, right guard Corey Williams, left guard Ryan Nearhoof, right tackle Pete King, left tackle Mike Sirney and tight end Matt Whittington.

"Anytime you are able to keep a defense off balance, it makes the job easier for the guys on the offensive line," said Heinauer. "We've given up some sacks this year, but when you throw the ball, that's going to happen. I think the line has done a good job."