New look for Mars 'O'
ADAMS TWP — The Mars football team, particularly the offense, could look drastically different this fall.
The Planets have run the Wing-T scheme since Scott Heinauer took over as head coach in 1992.
It has served the program well. Star fullbacks like Chuck Green, Brad Mueller, Bill Bair and most recently, Teddy Ruffner, have put up huge numbers that led to team success.
But Ruffner graduated in June, taking 4,000-plus yards on the ground with him. With no clear-cut heir to the position, Heinauer said the Planets could shake things up this season.
“We have some kids who can play a bit, but we'll have to see who steps up at fullback,” he said. “We may throw in some spread offense.”If the Planets do change their offensive philosophy — they attempted just 72 passes all of last year — it could play to their advantage.Junior quarterback Rafael Bartley, who served as Quinn Fuller's backup in 2020, has the size (6-3, 215) and a strong offseason under his belt.“He's taken most of the snaps and has looked really good in 7-on-7 drills,” Heinauer said. “He has a strong arm and did a great job all summer long.”Senior Chris Dvorak has played tight end in the past, but could move to wideout in the new offense. At 6-6, he would provide Bartley with a big target downfield.“He's been helping us learn the pass routes,” Dvorak said of Bartley. “He's a field general. He knows it's his time and he wants to lead us.”Noah Nesselroad, Hayden Mayer and Billy Sommers could also see passes coming their way.
Whether blocking for the run or pass, Mars should be strong up front.Tackles Matt Detisch and Jake Ottenweller and guards Remy Crofutt and Alex Jablunovsky are all returning starters. Crofutt, a senior who has started since his sophomore year, could move to center.“It's kind of ironic,” Heinauer said. “We're in the exact opposite position from last year. We had Teddy coming back last fall, but little experience on the line. Now, we don't have a big runner, but have a lot of guys back up front.”Joey Tepke, Jacob Maple and Luca Moran could all see time at running back, which will prove a vital role even if the Planets spread it out.
The defense returns Crofutt and Logan Santa on the interior of the line, Dvorak at end, Jacob Maple at linebacker and Bartley at safety.“We have holes to fill and need people to step up,” Heinauer said of his defense.Senior Eli Wright is back as the team's placekicker and could handle the punting duties as well.The Planets played just seven regular season games last year with few fans in the stands because of the coronavirus.Dvorak is eager to get back to high school football the way it was meant to be played.“Words can't express how excited I am for this season,” he said. “I'm excited to get on the field and see all those fans in the stands. That gives us an edge, knowing people are behind us.”MARS2021 ScheduleAug. 27-NORTH HILLS, 7:30 p.m.Sept. 3-at Shaler, 7 p.m.; Sept. 10-NEW CASTLE, 7 p.m.; Sept. 17-HIGHLANDS, 7 p.m.; Sept. 24-at Plum, 7 p.m.Oct. 1-ARMSTRONG, 7 p.m.; Oct. 8-KNOCH, 7 p.m.; Oct. 15-at Greensburg Salem, 7 p.m.; Oct. 22-INDIANA, 7 p.m.; Oct. 29-at Hampton, 7 p.m.2020 results (6-2)Hampton 35-13, Highlands 12-7, Plum 21-49, Armstrong 27-7, Knoch 48-13, Greensburg Salem 42-21, Indiana 34-22PlayoffsThomas Jefferson 6-41
