DERRY TWP, Westmoreland County — Following its season-opening loss to Franklin Regional last week, the Mars football team was about as content as a wet cat.

Derry paid the price.

The Planets out-gained the Trojans 425-14 in the first half and rolled to a 64-7 Greater Allegheny Conference road victory Friday night.

Mars stumbled on its first drive of the game, committing two penalties before Derry recovered a fumble on its own 41-yard line.

But the Planets scored on their next eight drives and led 52-0 at the break.

The passing game sparked the onslaught as senior quarterback Owen Nearhoof connected on scoring passes of 74 and 19 yards to Travis Ganter and Nolan Skirtich, respectively.

“We sputtered a bit and made some mistakes early on, but we responded well after that,” said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. “The kids had a great week of practice and that's what we were looking for.

“We wanted to work on the passing game tonight and that opened up the running game.”

Josh Schultheis scored Mars' third touchdown on a 20-yard run around the left end after taking a pitch. It was the first of four scoring runs from the junior fullback, who ended the game with 219 yards on the ground.

Interceptions by Skirtich and Sam Morrissey set up another touchdown and a 39-yard field goal from Matt White in the second quarter. Mars' other touchdown in the first 24 minutes came on Jason Lozzi's 33-yard scamper.

Derry did not pick up a first down until 3:35 remained in the first half.

The Trojans' first eight drives ended either in a three-and-out or turnover.

“Our defense was great tonight,” said Heinauer.

“We played well early on,” said Derry coach Al Gaiardo. “But then we gave up a big play (the 74-yard pass to Ganter) and we had a let-down. We have to get better. It's all about effort and hard work.”

Derry (0-2, 0-1) avoided the shutout when Trey Friedline connected with Sam Watters on a 16-yard touchdown pass against Mars' backups with 10:26 left in the game.

Nearhoof completed 4-of-6 passes for 138 yards and the two touchdowns.

Mars sophomore fullback Ryan Astbury rushed for 101 yards on nine carries, including a 29-yard touchdown run that capped the scoring with 8:11 left in the game.

Planet sophomore Nathan Sablowski finished the game at quarterback.

Mars (1-1, 1-1) hosts Indiana next Friday.