The power struggle in the Greater Allegheny Conference has begun, with Armstrong and Mars both looking to gain the upper hand against each other on Friday.

After both teams earned wins in Week 1 — Armstrong a 33-14 victory over Hollidaysburg and Mars a 35-6 triumph against Indiana — the River Hawks and Planets will both eye 2-0 records when they battle at the Mars Athletic Complex.

Armstrong is the product of a consolidation of Kittanning and Ford City high schools. After serving as the head coach at Kittanning the last three years, Frank Fabian is now guiding the River Hawks.

“We're still a work in progress,” said Fabian. “We'll be facing a Mars team that is very physical up front. They were able to run the ball well against a good Indiana team last week.”

Armstrong's ground game proved it should not be taken lightly, piling up over 400 yards against Hollidaysburg. Zane Dudek (5-foot-10, 180 pounds) totaled 309 yards and scored three touchdowns in the team's option zone-read offense.

“We have the ability to throw the ball, but it was raining in the first half last week and we decided to keep it on the ground,” said Fabian.

“They don't have a whole lot of plays, but the ones they do have, they run very well,” said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. “We have to be able to stop the run Friday or it's going to be a very long night.”

Sophomore Dawson Porter (5-11, 165) won a three-way battle in camp for Armstrong's starting quarterback spot, but senior Anthony Falsetti and junior Michael Lhote are awaiting their chance.

“We're evaluating the quarterback situation on a week-to-week basis,” said Fabian.

Mars' offense had several impressive performances to build upon in its handling of Indiana.

Junior fullback Isaiah Johnson ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, while the often-overlooked passing game received 122 yards and three touchdowns out of senior Sam Morrissey, a first-year starter.

“He made all the right decisions and threw high-percentage passes,” Heinauer said. “He's a leader and if we have to throw the ball, he can do it for us.”

Senior wingback Eli Brooks put up 118 yards from scrimmage and caught all three of Morrissey's touchdown passes.

“He (Brooks) was a big factor for us last year before he was injured and I think people kind of forgot about him,” added Heinauer. “He's only going to get better and better as the season goes on.”

One player the Planets' offense will have to account for is Armstrong senior defensive end Jacob Robb (6-2, 225), who had 11 tackles last week, including a pair of sacks.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.