MONROEVILLE — Mars nearly surrendered a 21-point halftime lead at Gateway Friday night, but the Planets were able to hold on for a 31-21 Greater Allegheny Conference football victory.

“Fortunately, we held on and came through when it mattered. I think that's the biggest factor,” Mars coach Scott Heinauer said. “We lost our momentum and then the avalanche came. To their credit, they came back and never died. They could've rolled over, but they didn't do that.”

Gateway's offense was completely shut down in the first half, but it took life in the fourth quarter, scoring two touchdowns within four minutes. Quarterback Brady Walker had a stellar fourth quarter, passing for 161 yards and two scores.

“He's done that before this year. He had a so-so second half, but then he played really well,” Gateway coach Tom Nola said. “He hit the open receivers in the second half, and we scored.”

However, Mars was able to get a key defensive stop after Gateway's final touchdown. Caleb Brake sealed the win with a 25-yard field goal, making the lead insurmountable for Gateway with just two minutes left.

“Brake did a great job of kicking the ball, and that's why he's here,” Heinauer said. “He's obviously a great kicker. We gave him the right opportunity to kick the ball right through the uprights, and he came through for us.”

Mars dominated the Gators in the first half, scoring 28 points, including two rushing and passing touchdowns. Running back Isaiah Johnson got things going for Mars three minutes into the game with yet another rushing touchdown. The Planets decided to go for a two-point conversion with Eli Brooks, which was successful. Brooks also scored a rushing touchdown early in the second quarter.

Quarterback Sam Morrissey made big plays for the Planets. He only completed four passes, but passed for 202 yards. His two touchdowns were 73-yard and 80-yard bombs to Brooks.

“When you're on the road, it's tough. Our conference is a difficult conference, and they're not going to lay down,” Heinauer said. “We just need to play a complete game. If we can do that, we'll be in great shape.”

For Gateway, the offense was led by Walker and running back Adam White. White led the team in rushing with 11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown in the second quarter. Even in the midst of losing the game, Nola said he is proud of his team and that there is a lot it can take away from the game.