Last year, North Catholic’s football team was denied a postseason berth with a 21-14 loss to Mars in the final week of the regular season.

The Trojans can rest easy in one respect — they have already qualified for the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs ahead of Friday’s showdown with the Planets at J.C. Stone Field in North Park.

There is still much on the line, however, as the winner of the game will be crowned champion of the Greater Allegheny Conference.

First-year North coach Chris Rizzo likes the progression he has seen in his team this season.

“We have made significant improvements,” he said. “We’ve talked to the guys about the importance of preparation and to not ride the roller coaster of emotions that is the high school football season.”

The Trojans (5-4, 4-1) are coming off a 42-6 win at home against Indiana. Senior running back Jack Fennell gashed the Little Indians for 224 yards rushing and scored six total touchdowns, including one on a kickoff return.

Fennell has gained 1,176 yards on the ground this season, is averaging 7.6 yards per carry and has scored 21 total touchdowns.

Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz says his team has done well against the run this year.

“We take pride in being able to stop the run,” he said. “We’re giving up an average of 140 yards per game, but that’s skewed because of our game against Montour (a 37-28 loss in August). We allowed just 63 yards against Armstrong and 78 against Hampton and did well against a really good back in Brock Borgo.”

Borgo gained 68 yards on 16 carries for Hampton last week in a game won by the Planets 42-15.

“We have a fast and aggressive defense,” added Kasperowicz. “If we’re to win Friday, we will have to continue to play well because their tailback (Fennell) is really good.”

The Trojans recently had a change at quarterback as Kaden Sarver took over for Jason Siket. In his first start three weeks ago, Sarver passed for over 100 yards in a win over Hampton.

“We thought it would be a move that could help the offense,” Rizzo said. “Kaden’s a senior who deserves a shot. For his part, Jason has moved to receiver, had six catches for 103 yards in one game, so he’s still able to inject life into the offense.”

North’s offensive line currently consists of center Roman Sylvester, guards Gabe Paredes and Joey Strano, tackles Alex Jackson and Landon Walker and tight ends Brady O’Hara and Trey Purnsley.

The front is dealing with the loss of center Oliver Gibson, who was playing at a high level before an injury ended his season.

The Trojan defense has a stiff challenge in its attempt to contain Mars running back Evan Wright (1,356 rushing yards and 29 total TDs) and the passing game led by quarterback Luke Goodworth (1,632 yards, 17 TDs and just three INTs).

“Where do you start,” Rizzo said of gameplanning for Mars. “They’re a tough team, well-coached and we have a lot of respect for what they do offensively and defensively. It’s a great challenge for us.”

Gabe Hein, Mars’ top receiver with 774 yards and eight TDs, missed last week’s game with an ankle injury. Kasperowicz said his status is “day-to-day.”