Mars looks to avoid pitfall
ADAMS TWP — Scott Heinauer is hoping his Mars football team avoids a pitfall it has encountered twice since moving to Class AAA in 2008.
That was the year the Planets were welcomed into the Greater Allegheny Conference. In their two home meetings against Indiana (2009-10), the Planets were able to defeat the Indians at the Mars Athletic Complex. But in the two seasons the Planets traveled east they met with defeat, including last year's 30-15 setback.
Indiana will host the Planets at 7 p.m. Friday.
“The drive up there is a job in itself,” said Heinauer. “We've struggled playing at their place.”
The fact that it's a home game for Indiana may be the only factor working in the Indians' favor. After making the WPIAL playoffs three of the last four years, Indiana lost a bevy of talent to graduation, including star quarterback Logan Weaver (20 touchdown passes in 2011) and wide receiver Tyrayl Veney (945 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns). Both are now playing at Indiana (Pa.) University.
The Indians have struggled out of the gate this year, losing their opener to Hampton 45-21 and 35-0 to Franklin Regional last week. In the two games, Indiana was outscored 49-7 in the first half.
“We want to win every time we step on the field,” said Indiana coach Mark Zilinskas. “Obviously, that hasn't worked out well for us the first two weeks. Win or lose, we want to improve and we feel we're a better team than we've played.”
Heinuaer knows the Indians' offensive scheme can be a challenging one to defend.
“They run the veer option and you don't see many high school teams running that type of offense,” Heinauer said. “But they lost a lot of skill players from last year. We need to capitalize on their mistakes.”
Now at quarterback for the Indians is junior Dequan West, who can make plays running the football as well as passing.
With Veney gone, the team is counting on four wideouts to make plays down the field.
Riley Stapleton (6-foot-4), Darnae Clemons (6-0), Derek Stapleton (6-3) and Darrious Carter (6-5) will provide West with plenty of size to throw to.
Running backs Ian Scott, Tom Kanyarusoke and Chase Edgar will get the bulk of the rushing attempts.
Trying to find playmakers on offense may be the least of Indiana's problems. Its defense will be facing a Planets' offense operating in mid-season form.
Sophomore fullback Josh Schultheis gained 147 yards and scored four times in last week's 56-0 drubbing of Derry. Through two games, he has rushed for 311 yards and six touchdowns.
“He's a very powerful runner and he hits the hole well,” said Heinauer of Schultheis. “He's done a great job, but a lot of the credit goes to the kids up front. We have a veteran offensive line and that's a big factor.”
Mars' starting line includes center Jack Mettus, left guard Austin Bitzer, left tackle Joe Grice, right guard Cole Horan, right tackle Connor Biggs and tight end Billy Shrock.
“We rotate in John King at guard and Joel Glomb at tackle,” said Heinauer. “We've always rotated kids in to get them experience and to keep our guys fresh. That's important.”
