The last time Knoch's football team took three straight games from rival Mars, Chuck Tanner was managing the Pittsburgh Pirates and Franco Harris was suiting up for the Steelers (1981-83).

Scott Heinauer would like to keep it that way.

Mars' longtime coach has seen the Knights outplay his Planets the last two seasons, including last year's 21-0 decision at the Mars Athletic Complex. The Planets entered that game with a record of 6-0.

The Route 228 Rivalry will be renewed Friday with a 7 p.m. kickoff at Knoch Stadium.

The Knights are one of a few WPIAL Class AAA teams who play their home games on natural grass.

“The weather looks pretty good the rest of the week,” said Heinauer, whose Planets defeated host Derry 64-7 on a grass surface earlier this season. “But you never know what you're going to get when playing on grass. That's in the back of everybody's mind.”

Knoch coach Mike King said switching from turf to grass has not been an issue with his players.

“Then again, we're pretty used to it, with all of our home games played on grass,” King said. “Even teams that have turf, a lot of them practice all week on grass, anyway.

“I'm not putting Mars in this category, but I've watched some teams come to our place on a Friday night and they look like they're stepping on to another planet when they step on our field for the first time.”

The Planets (5-1, 4-1) are coming off a 42-0 non-conference road victory at Uniontown last Friday. Since dropping the season-opening game to Franklin Regional, Mars has won five straight games by a combined score of 221-35.

Meanwhile, Knoch (3-3, 2-3) has dropped back-to-back contests, including last week's 28-0 loss at Franklin Regional.

“We've been playing better and better every week,” said Heinauer. “But when we play Knoch, it's a rivalry and records don't mean a whole lot. We have to play our game.”

For Knoch, this game situation is almost the same as last year.

“We lost to Hampton and Franklin Regional before the Mars game last year, too,” King said. “Both teams will be fired up come Friday. Our kids look at the Mars game as an opportunity to make their mark in Knoch football. A lot of our history involves what guys do in the Mars game because it's been such a neighborhood rivalry.

“I respect Mars' kids, their coaches and that entire program. Those kids work hard and don't make mistakes. We have to take care of the football and not commit penalties because they will make you pay for it.”

For the most part, Mars' keys are getting a good game from junior fullback Josh Schultheis and being stingy on defense.

Schultheis has carried the ball 116 times this season for 905 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The defense has allowed just 13 first-half points during the team's current five-game win streak.

“Schultheis is a good running back and he's dangerous in what he can do,” King said. “But that team has other kids who can hurt you, too. We can't just focus on one player.”'

Mars senior Nolan Skirtich has been a key contributor to the defensive effort as a cornerback, recovering a fumble in the end zone in last week's victory. But he is also a major factor on offense as a tight end, leading the team in receptions (11), receiving yards (313) and receiving touchdowns (three).

Against Uniontown, Skirtich tallied all three of Mars' receptions, including touchdowns of 28 and 57 yards from quarterback Owen Nearhoof.

“I personally feel that, in high school football, people tend to overlook tight ends in the passing game,” said Heinauer. “But Nolan has done a great job and he is definitely a deep threat for us.”

Another aspect of the game that does not get much attention is special teams, but the Planets are confident in their kicking game with long-snapper John King, holder Jake Rosswog and kicker Matt White.

“It's one-third of the game and we know it's important,” said Heinauer. “We take it very seriously.”

Knoch is led on offense by two juniors — halfback Cody Milsom, who has gained 647 yards and scored seven touchdowns on 149 carries — and quarterback Dan Farinelli, who has passed for 704 yards, six touchdowns and seven interceptions.

“Both of those guys are good football players,” said Heinauer. “Mike King has done a good job of adapting to suit the talent his players have. They show you a lot of different looks on offense — offset-I, spread and wildcat.”

Sports editor John Enrietto contributed to this report.