ADAMS TWP — To say that Teddy Ruffner burst onto the varsity football scene this year would not be accurate.

In 2017 and 2018, Ruffner tallied 979 rushing yards, nearly a 6-yard average and eight touchdowns for Mars.

But as the focal point of the Planets' offense this season, he was counted on to produce even more.

The junior passed that test with flying colors.

Mars fed the ball to its 5-foot-9, 195-pound fullback 263 times and Ruffner responded with 1,919 yards and scored 26 total touchdowns. His 152 points in the regular season earned him the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy.

It's the most points scored by a Butler County-area player since 2012 when Seneca Valley's Forrest Barnes also scored 152.

Freeport's Ricky Hunter finished in second place this year with 114 points.

With the graduation last spring of Garrett Reinke — last year's winner of the scoring trophy — Mars needed someone to carry the load in its Wing-T offense.

Ruffner was the obvious choice.

“He has the size, power and strength,” said Mars running backs coach Scott Pfeiffer. “There was no question entering this season, he could take over that role.”

“I had a lot of confidence coming in,” said Ruffner. “I didn't set any goals with specific numbers, but I knew I had the skill it takes to help the team.”

Ruffner's most prolific games came in wins over Greensburg Salem, Armstrong and Shaler. He scored five touchdowns in each while rushing for 327, 276 and 318 yards, respectively.

For much of the season, Mars' passing game was unable to loosen up opposing defenses, which were geared to stop Ruffner.

“I was up for that challenge,” he said. “You have to take it for what it is. Even if a team knows you're getting the ball, they still have to tackle you.

“I like having the ball in my hands and making a difference in the game.”

There is more to Ruffner's game than his imposing brawn, which also helped him become a leader on defense as a linebacker.

“He's also a smart player, very cerebral,” Pfeiffer said. “He'd see something on a certain play, come up to me and make a suggestion. I'd say, 'Sure, Teddy. Go with that.'”

Ruffner has a deep appreciation for his offensive line, which included starters Chase Nesselroad at center, Gio Cuzzocrea and Dalton Becker at guard, Michael Carmody and Sam Santoro at tackle and Mitchell Wright at tight end.

“Without their help, I don't rush for the yards I did,” said Ruffner. “I was getting the ball 30 to 40 times a game and they did a great job opening holes.”