Planets stage a bit of history
ADAMS TWP — Just when you thought you've seen everything out of Billy Bair, he turns into Superman right in front of your eyes.
The Mars senior fullback scored six touchdowns Friday night in a 42-6 drubbing of Mohawk on Senior Night.
The win not only gave the Planets their first outright conference title in at least 30 years, but Bair moved closer to WPIAL immortality.
Bair rushed for 240 yards on 24 carries, giving him 2,119 yards this season and the all-time WPIAL record for rushing yards during the regular season.
Laurel Highlands' Jim Smith held the previous record of 2,026, which he set in 1989.
Bair's six trips to end zone, including one on an interception return, tied him with former Rochester High star Essex Law for most touchdowns in a regular season for a WPIAL player (34).
"It was a great night," said Bair. "I have to thank my offensive line for making it possible. They work very hard and they've been doing it all year."
"It probably hasn't sunk in with him yet," said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "It's a great achievement and it's something he'll always remember."
"The section title, that's the best part," Bair added. "I don't think it's ever happened here at Mars."
Mohawk (4-5, 3-5) entered the game with slim playoff hopes and, at the very least, a chance to finish the season with a winning record.
But the Warriors simply became part of the audience for Bair's latest theatrics.
He followed a 2-yard scoring run on the game's first drive with a 5-yard touchdown jaunt with 45 seconds left in the first quarter.
Christopher Karns added the second of six extra points and the Planets held a 14-0 lead.
"Last week (a 35-28 win at Summit Academy), we fell behind early," said Heinauer. "Our goal was to get off on the right foot tonight, to get off to a fast start."
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Bair didn't wait to get back on offense to score his next touchdown, intercepting Mohawk quarterback Seth Powell and returning it 47 yards for a score.
"I knew from watching film that they like to try a lot of (short passes)," said Bair, who jumped the short curl route and raced down the left sideline.
Bair's 12-yard run capped the first-half scoring as the Planets jogged to the locker room with a comfortable 28-0 cushion.
Scoring runs of 38 and 44 yards awaited Bair and the Planets (8-1, 8-0) in the second half, preceded by D.J. Woleslagle's 37-yard scoring run, which kept the Warriors from being shut out.
Woleslagle rushed 14 times for 115 yards, but the Planets' defense intercepted five passes, with Blaise Taggart picking off two of them in the second half.
Mohawk coach Jason Long was not available for comment.
Mars will now turn its attention to the WPIAL playoff pairings meeting, which will be held Monday night.
