Ringgold football coach Nick Milchovich remembers the game — most notably the final score — very well.

The Rams were shut out 35-0 by host Mars in last year's WPIAL Class AAA quarterfinals.

The two teams are preparing to tangle once again, this time in a Class 4A quarterfinal Friday at the Mars Athletic Complex.

Despite averaging 209 rushing yards per game entering last year's meeting, Ringgold was held to just 90 yards on 35 carries.

But as Mars coach Scott Heinauer pointed out, this is a different Rams team.

“They changed offensive coordinators and now have a much different team,” he said. “Last year, they were looking to run first. This year, they're more of a passing team.”

That fact is reflected in Ringgold quarterback George Martin's numbers. The current senior had totaled 1,118 passing yards and 10 touchdowns through 10 games before running into the Planets last fall.

Martin enters Friday's game with nearly 1,800 yards through nine games. He has led the Rams to at least 29 points in all seven of the team's wins.

“He's been unbelievable this season,” said Milchovich. “From the middle of the season on, he's really elevated his play. I'm proud of him.”

“They run a lot of quick passes and screens,” said Heinauer of the Rams. “They can score quickly and that is a concern to us.”

The Rams (7-2) have not lost since falling to Thomas Jefferson 55-14 Sept. 30. Since then, Ringgold has reeled off four straight victories over Uniontown, West Mifflin, New Castle and against Trinity last week.

“They always say that you want to be playing your best football when the playoffs arrive,” Milchovich said. “We're doing that.”

Defensively, Milchovich said his team's focus will be to stop Mars' rushing attack, which tallied 182 yards and four touchdowns on 32 carries in last year's game.

“There were times when we got out-flanked on defense, so our alignment will be key,” said Milchovich.

Mars' star fullback, Isaiah Johnson, was held to 43 yards on 13 carries in last year's meeting before leaving the game with a back injury.

The Planets (8-2) received a boost from senior quarterback Noah Wright in last week's 42-14 win over Knoch. He passed for a season-high 123 yards and two touchdowns.

“We don't want teams to be able to put eight guys in the box to stop the run,” said Heinauer. “That's why Noah having confidence is huge for us. We proved we can throw the ball last week.”