There is a team’s record and the talent contained on its roster — two things that don’t always correlate.

Eric Kasperowicz has been much more concerned with the latter this week as his team prepared to face New Castle on Friday at Taggart Stadium.

The Red Hurricanes went 1-9 last year and dropped their 2023 opener, losing to University Prep 26-20 in double-overtime last week.

“Watching them on film, they look like a completely different team,” said Kasperowicz. “They are bigger, stronger and faster than us.

“Hopefully, our kids are hungry after last week.”

He was referring to the Planets’ own frustration to begin the season, a 37-28 loss at home to Montour.

“Our defense played great at the start, forced some 3-and-outs, but we tired out in the second half,” said Kasperowicz. “I believe the defense was on the field for 70 snaps, which is just too many.

“Our offense was the exact opposite, played a good second half."

Mars junior quarterback Eric Kasperowicz, last year's starter, had surgery on his throwing shoulder over the summer and it is unknown if and when he can return to the position.

"He's playing on defense at safety and could line up at receiver and even running back," Coach Kasperowicz said. "But he can't throw right now, or at least throw very well. We'll have to see how it goes and how much pain is involved."

Taking snaps last week was Luke Goodworth, another junior, who passed for 232 yards and two scores.

"He didn't turn the ball over, but we were one of 11 on third downs," said Kasperowicz. "We need to do a better job of calling plays that put our kids in a position to make things happen."

New Castle is led by a pair of running backs — Malik Jefferson and Kaevon Gardner — who combined for 252 yards and two touchdowns on the ground last week.

Stacy Robinson, former longtime head coach at Union (New Castle), is in his second season with the Red Hurricanes. He could not be reached for comment.

Mars defeated New Castle last season, 51-7.