HERMINIE — Ori Rinaman and the rest of the Mars backfield knew they would have an increased role with star running back Josh Schultheis out with an injury.

They accepted the challenge and helped the Planets score on their first seven possessions en route to a 54-0 win over Yough in Greater Allegheny Conference action Friday night.

“Everything went according to the plan,” Rinaman said. “We wanted to come out and play hard for Josh.”

It was also the 150th career win for Mars coach Scott Heinauer, who is in his 23rd season.

Rinaman scored three rushing touchdowns and ran for 107 yards on 12 carries in the first half.

His backfield mate Isaiah Johnson added two touchdowns of his own, racking up 94 yards on just three first-half carries.

“Obviously, losing Josh is huge, but it is not a secret that we have a bunch of good runners,” Heinauer said.

The Planets scored three rushing touchdowns in the first quarter starting with a 14-yard run by Eli Brooks. The next two drives ended in Rinaman scores.

Following a Yough punt to Mars' 25-yard line, it took one play for the

Planets to score again as Jake Rosswog hit a wide open Robby Carmody at the 50-yard line and he took it the rest of the way to score to make it 28-0 early in the second quarter.

“They had been putting guys up on the line all night, so we threw one over top of them,” Heinauer said.

While the Planets offense was clicking on all cylinders, so was their defense, which held Yough to negative-13 rushing yards and also allowed just seven first downs.

“I was pleased with the effort everyone had on defense tonight,” Heinauer said.

Johnson scored both of his touchdowns in the second quarter, the first onn from 58 yards that capped a two-play drive to make it 35-0.

While Rinaman was solid rushing the ball, he also made a big play on defense when he intercepted a half-back pass by Clayton Waldron.

“It was great to get an interception,” Rinaman said.

That turnover quickly turned into points as Johnson scored from 26 yards two plays later to make the score 48-0 going into halftime.

The Planets had 40 rushes for 326 yards and outgained the Cougars 415-158.

Nate Rosswog added a score with a 12 yard run in the fourth quarter.

The win evens Mars' record in the Greater Allegheny Conference at 1-1, while Yough falls to 0-2.

Next week, the Planets will host Franklin Regional for their first home game of 2014.

“It'll be a big game next week, and I know Franklin Regional will be ready,” Heinauer said. “We have to be ready, too.”