Planets counting on Drew
ADAMS TWP — Drew Schlegel's athleticism has previously been on display for Mars' football team.
As a wingback/wide receiver last year, he averaged over 11 yards on his 53 offensive touches and was also a playmaker on defense at safety.
Now a senior, Schlegel gets the chance to lead the offense as the Planets' quarterback.
“I've been working for this for a few years,” he said. “I was the backup last year and now I'm getting my shot. I'm excited.”
Planets' coach Scott Heinauer knows Schlegel is capable of a special season in his only year at signal caller.
“He has a lot of athletic ability and that's a plus for our offense,” he said. “He has a strong arm and we just need to tame him down a bit. He needs to relax back there.”
A scrimmage and three non-conference games to open the season will give Schlegel a chance to settle in.
“I'm comfortable back there, but there's just a lot of things to learn,” he said. “I'm getting the hang of a lot of different things.”
Another familiar face in a new position is Teddy Ruffner, who makes the move from wingback to fullback, the focus of the Wing-T offense.
Ruffner already has 979 varsity rushing yards and eight touchdowns to his credit. He was thrust into a prominent role his freshman season due to injuries to teammates. Even then, he was rarely brought down by the first man to hit him.
“He's a very physical kid,” said Heinauer. “It's his turn.”
The wingback positions should be manned by a combination of Ben Chizmar, Joe DeLuca and Nick Spotti. Of that trio, only Chizmar carried the ball last year.
The offensive line is led by senior Michael Carmody, a Notre Dame recruit, but Dalton Becker (tackle) and Gio Cuzzocrea (guard) are two other starters back who will add stability. Mitchell Wright, a senior tight end, caught just five passes last year, but was a reliable blocker. He could develop into one of Schlegel's top targets.
The defense returns Carmody, who will move from end to tackle, Chizmar, DeLuca and Ruffner at linebacker and Schlegel at safety.
“The defense is definitely ahead of the offense right now,” said Schlegel.
That's often the case with Mars, though, and the Planets always seem to find that powerful running game.
Senior Blake Edwards is back to kick after making 39 of 40 extra point attempts and all three of his field goal attempts a year ago.
Schlegel will do the punting. He averaged over 34 yards per boot as a junior, with a long of 51.
Mars' Northern Conference foes include defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Penn Hills. Though the Indians graduated much of their talent, other teams bring a lot back.
“Fox Chapel, Shaler, Hampton ... they all have a lot back,” said Heinauer. “There's no easy games and it will be a tough haul.”
