Mars running back Garrett Reinke dives for extra yardage in the first quarter against Armstrong Friday as Jacob Miller tries to make the tackle. The Planets will face Shaler on Saturday for the first time in 72 years.

Mars and Shaler are about to face each other on the gridiron for the first time in 72 years.

Planets' coach Scott Heinauer isn't feeling nostalgic, however. All he is focused on is that the matchup is a Northern Conference contest, and a big one.

The Titans (2-3, 1-1) will play host to the Planets (4-1, 1-1) as part of Shaler's Homecoming weekend with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff on Saturday. The teams are involved in a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference along with Armstrong. The top five teams will automatically qualify for the WPIAL playoffs.

Shaler has endured six straight losing seasons since last reaching the postseason in 2011. The Titans entered this season shouldering a 24-game losing streak that was snapped with a 34-21 victory against New Castle in the opener.

The Titans dropped a 35-21 non-conference decision to Franklin Regional last week.

Shaler's offense features quarterback Darin Mizgorski, who has passed for 967 yards and seven touchdowns. The ground game is paced by Joey Kremer's 464 yards and five scores.

“They're 50/50 between pass and run,” said Heinauer. “They don't have a lot of formations, run a lot of plays out of the I-formation and two-back set. They keep it simple and that's probably the best solution for them to try and score points.

“Kids get better when they're playing in a scheme that they're comfortable with.”

Aside from a 36-15 loss to Penn Hills Sept. 14, Mars' defense has been very solid, allowing less than nine points per game in the team's four victories.

“We had a lot of starters coming back in the secondary and on the line,” said Heinauer. “I've been a little surprised at how well we've done defensively, but we pride ourselves on playing well on that side of the ball.”

The Planets, who defeated Armstrong last week, 42-15, recently found out they will be without one of their top players for the rest of the season. Senior wingback/linebacker Chuck Green sustained a leg injury against Penn Hills and will not return.

“It's a shame Chuck is done,” said Heinauer. “He's a senior and leader on this football team, but every team has to deal with adversity.”

The linebacking corps does get back Joe DeLuca, who was injured earlier this season. Mitchell Wright is also ready to step in if needed.

Replacing Green at wingback is Drew Schlegel, who last week caught a pass for 36 yards and scored a touchdown on a 30-yard run.

Shaler's second-year coach Jim Ryan could not be reached for comment.