ADAMS TWP — One would think that Scott Heinauer would have seen it all in his first 20 years as the head football coach at Mars, but the 2012 season brings with it a first even for him.

The Planets return 18 starters (nine on both sides of the ball), giving the program high hopes for the upcoming campaign.

“We've never returned this many starters,” said Heinauer, who took over as coach in 1992. “When you can do a lot of different things because the kids understand, that's a good sign.”

“Having that many guys back gives us confidence, but we're working as hard as if we were all freshman,” said senior defensive tackle Jake Tumminello.

The Planets return all of their offensive line, except for tight end, where Billy Shrock, who started at left guard last year, will take over.

Also coming back are center Jack Mettus, right guard Austin Bitzer, right tackle Connor Biggs and left tackle Joe Grice. The left guard spot vacated by Shrock will be filled by either John King or Cole Horan.

The experience filters into the backfield, where quarterback Owen Nearhoof has a year of starting under his belt.

As a sophomore last year, he passed for 672 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions.

“Owen always wants to do more,” said Heinauer. “He better understands the offense this year and knows where players are supposed to be on every play.”

The leading rusher from 2011, Jason Lozzi, returns after gaining 729 yards and scoring nine touchdowns. He will alternate between fullback and wingback. Others who will get plenty of carries include wingbacks Alex Smith and Jacob Wright and fullback Josh Schultheis.

The trio combined to gain 815 rushing yards last year, which included a 4.8 yards-per-carry average from Schultheis, who was just a freshman.

Heinauer's teams have always focused more on the ground game than the passing attack and that will not change this year. But with an experienced quarterback returning and a talented core of wide receivers — Garrett Ashbaugh, Chris Smith and Travis Ganter — the Planets may put up more aerials than usual in 2012.

“Our goal is always to control the football,” said Heinauer, “but we'll be more than capable at wide receiver. We're looking to get the most out of our skill players.”

The experience Mars returns on its 5-2 defense should make the unit a formidable one.

Shrock, the Planets' leading tackler last year with 76, will play linebacker.

Wright returns to play cornerback after making 42 tackles and intercepting two passes in 2011.

The defense will also include, among others, seniors Chris Panza and Tumminello on the line and Nolan Skirtich at strong safety.

“We focus on being strong up front to allow our backers to make a lot of plays,” said Tumminello.

“We were better at stopping the run last year,” Heinauer said. “We need to improve in pass defense and we're working on it.”

Junior placekicker/punter Matthew White will look to replace the graduated Ryan Gralish.

The Planets made the WPIAL playoffs last year for the seventh straight season, but lost in the first round for the first time in six years.

“We had opportunities to beat both Highlands and West Mifflin last year, but we lost both games,” Heinauer said.

“When we have opportunities this year, we have to seize them.”