Mars is aiming to make North Hills' return to Northern Conference play an uncomfortable one.

For the past two weeks, the Indians (4-2, 3-0) have played non-conference games, losing both to Class 5A powers Peters Township (38-14) and Gateway (40-7). But they remain unbeaten in conference play and Mars (4-2, 2-1) hopes to change that Friday when the teams square off at Martorelli Stadium.

“They've played two very difficult games in a row and are looking to rebound,” said Planets' coach Scott Heinauer. “Playing at Martorelli Stadium is tough for anyone.”

Mars, well known for its Wing-T offense, isn't used to facing an opponent that uses the same scheme. The Indians, though, have added a wrinkle with their quarterback, Dylan Pawling, often in the shotgun.

The Indians ran a spread offense last season.

“As a coach, you're always looking to run a scheme that fits the personnel you have,” said North Hills coach Pat Carey. “We felt this was the right fit for our skill guys and linemen. We wanted to make it more difficult for teams to defend us.”

Pawling has thrown for just 220 yards, but has also rushed for 383 yards and eight scores.

Backfield mates Tom McDonough, Curtis Foskey and Tyler Tomasic have combined for 991 yards on the ground and 13 scores.

“They have a lot of speed on offense and that's a concern for us,” said Heinauer.

Regarding the other side of the ball, Heinauer noted of the Indians: “They take a lot of pride in their defense. They rely on bringing a lot of pressure.”

Mars' quarterback situation has been in flux all season. In last week's 34-20 win over Shaler, Josh Grell became the third signal caller to start for the Planets.

Sophomore quarterback Quinn Fuller, who leads the team with 136 passing yards, is expected to return from injury and start this week.

Senior Drew Schlegel, who has also seen time under center, is now being moved back and forth between receiver and wingback.

One certainty the Planets have on offense is fullback Teddy Ruffner, who already has 1,382 yards and 20 touchdowns this season.

“Nothing he has done has come as a surprise to us,” said Heinauer. “He was very good as a wingback and moving to fullback was a natural transition for him. His numbers speak for themselves.”

No team has been able to stop Ruffner, but Carey knows his team must contain him — a task easier said than done.

“He's special. He is tough, thick and fast and continues to drive his legs after contact,” he said.

Mars defeated North Hills last season, 42-14.