ADAMS TWP — A backyard brawl with a conference championship on the line?

It doesn't get any better than this.

The Mars High football team plays host to undefeated Knoch (8-0, 5-0) at 7 p.m. Saturday with the winner securing the Greater Allegheny Conference title.

The Planets (7-1, 5-0) have won seven straight contests since an opening week loss to Moon.

Mars crushed Valley last week 56-0, while Knoch upended Highlands 28-21.

"This game speaks for itself and the kids are aware of what's at stake," said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "The loser of this game still gets to host a playoff game, but it's also important to win your conference and get a better seed."

Mars and Knoch became conference rivals in 2008 when the Planets jumped from Class AA to AAA.

The Planets have won both meetings since then, 28-0 in 2008 and 7-3 in 2009, but this year's clash is sure to bring out the best in both teams.

With Mars running the Wing-T, the Planets' ground attack gets a lot of attention, but senior quarterback Eric Guzak is capable of making clutch throws.

Guzak has completed 35-of-61 passes for 742 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions.

"Eric's done a great job throwing the ball and people have to respect that part of our offense," said Heinauer.

Senior wideout Aaron Lozzi is averaging an eye-popping 32.4 yards per reception on 14 catches for 454 yards and has six touchdown catches.

The solid aerial game has undoubtedly softened opposing defenses for Mars' running backs.

Fullback Austin Miele (159 carries for 983 yards), and wingbacks Seth Geyer (40-309) and Josh Pinkerton (39-193) have combined for a 6.2 yards-per-carry average.

Last season, the Planets had all-conference kicker Christopher Karns at their disposal.

Though Karns graduated in June, Ryan Gralish has picked up the slack.

The junior has booted 28 extra points, three field goals and his kickoffs regularly result in a touchback.

In high school football, players returning a kickoff are not allowed to bring the ball out of the end zone and it is automatically placed at the 20-yard line.

"We're more than satisfied in Ryan's play this season," said Heinauer. "He can put the ball in the end zone on kickoffs, and that's a huge boost for us. We have the ultimate confidence in him."

If Mars wins on Saturday, the Planets will earn their first outright conference title since 2007. Mars shared the Greater Allegheny championship with Franklin Regional last season.