Mars and Riverside both played a mediocre first half in their season openers last week.

But the final 24 minutes of play saw the Planets and Panthers flex their muscles en route to big Tri-County North victories.

Mars overcame three first-half turnovers and a 20-13 deficit to beat conference-favorite Laurel, 32-20.

Riverside held a slim 6-0 halftime lead at Shenango, even though the Panthers had rolled up 128 more offensive yards than the Wildcats in the first two periods.

The Panthers then dominated the second half and ran away with a 32-7 win.

"Our kids stayed together," said Riverside coach Jesse Rosenberger. "That allowed us to overcome our mistakes."

Both Mars and Riverside will attempt to start the season 2-0 when the team's collide at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Riverside Stadium.

Scott Heinauer is hoping his team's play resembles the second half against Laurel, not the first.

"Two of our turnovers led to touchdowns," he said. "It's like we tried to give the game to Laurel.

"But we made some adjustments and played very well in the second half. Hopefully, we can take that momentum into (Friday's) game."

The Planets focus on defense will change dramatically this week.

Last week, it was the challenge of stopping Laurel signal-caller Corey Collins, who ended the night with 140 yards passing and 26 rushing.

Against Riverside, the Planets must contain running back Jake Wickline.

The 5-foot-10, 189-pound junior gained 188 yards on 34 carries last week.

"I wouldn't say he's a speed back or a power back," said Rosenberger. "He's a bit of both. He's 189 pounds and all muscle, and he has been a starter since his freshman season."

"(Riverside) has other weapons," said Heinauer. "But Wickline is the player we have to key on."

Stopping Wickline will be made more difficult by the four returning starters on Riverside's offensive line: center Travis Kelosky, left guard Emmett Santillo, left tackle Scott Broge and right guard Denes Veres.

At 6-feet, 277 pounds, Veres is the biggest of the quartet.

"Their kids up front are physical," said Heinauer. "I'd say they're the most physical team in our conference."

At quarterback for the Panthers will be senior Chance Kelosky, a third-year starter.

"We have confidence in him, without a doubt," said Rosenberger. "(Last Saturday), it was windy and rainy, and he only attempted four passes.

"But he completed three of them and the one incompletion bounced off the receiver's hands."

But the Planets will bring their own offensive arsenal.

Junior fullback Bill Bair returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown last week while rushing for 150 yards and two more scores.

"Getting big plays in the return game was much needed," said Heinauer. "That's something we didn't have before."

Mars has defeated Riverside the past two seasons, 26-20 in 2004 and 44-0 last year.

<B>Friday 7:30 p.m. </B>• <B>Streak: </B>Dating back to last season, Mars has had a 100-yard rushing performance in six of the last seven regular season games.• <B>Statistic: </B>In last year's game against Riverside, D.J. Cannon connected on four of five passes for 100 yards and a touchdown.• <B>Speaking: </B>"We can't make the same mistakes (against Riverside) that we made against Laurel. Our luck's only going to work so far." — Mars coach Scott Heinauer