ADAMS TWP — There might not seem to be much significance to the No. 23 that Mars fullback Bill Bair wears.

But take a look at the Planets' recent history at the position and you can see the progression.

Brad Mueller, who graduated in 2003, rushed for more than 2,000 yards his senior season while wearing No. 21.

Paul Ferrese, who graduated in June, wore No. 22 during his back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons. He also won the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy his senior year after rushing for 13 touchdowns.

So, with his No. 23, Bair could be next in the line of great running backs at Mars.

But far more important than superstition or coincidence is Bair's performance on the field.

Through five games, the junior fullback has put up some torrid numbers: 1,020 yards on 99 carries and 15 scores, not including a 94-yard kickoff return for another touchdown.

He has rushed for more than 200 yards in each of the past three games.

"I'm happy with all of those (numbers)," said Bair. "But I'm still looking to keep that pace up."

Bair also is a member of the track team, competing in the 100- and 200-yard dashes, as well as the 400 relay event.

"He's deceptive with his speed," said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "He keeps his feet close to the ground and it doesn't look like he's going that fast. But he's under 4.5 (seconds) in the 40-yard dash."

That speed has helped Bair lead the county in rushing yards and points scored after five games.

Bair did experience a problem with fumbling, including three giveaways in a 41-35 loss to Shenango, but he has avoided that the last two games.

"The problem was that I wasn't getting the handoffs cleanly," said Bair. "The coaches told me to keep my elbow up when I'm getting the ball. It shouldn't be a problem anymore."

Bair should continue to be a problem for opposing defenses.

But he didn't come out of nowhere this season. He turned in a solid sophomore campaign last year while spelling Ferrese, rushing 42 times for 346 yards — an 8.24 yards-per-carry average — and scoring five touchdowns.

"It was a good year for me," said Bair. "I learned a lot from Paul about the things you need to do to be a leader."

In front of every great running back, there's an offensive line doing the dirty work in the trenches.

For the Planets, that's center Andy Howcroft, guards Ryan Nearhoof and Chris Chappel, tackles Mike Sirney and Scott Brettell and tight end Matt Kennedy.

"Bill is so fast," said Brettell, a senior who has been starting at tackle since his sophomore year. "But he's also able to break tackles. Just blocking for him is enough satisfaction for me and the rest of the line."

Since Bair this is his first year as a starter, but he is on pace to break Mars' all-time record for career rushing yards.

Mueller currently holds the top spot with 3,460 yards. Bair has 1,366 yards with a season and a half to go.

Mueller's record of rushing yards in a season — 2,126 in 2002 — also is in jeopardy as Bair is on pace for to pick up more than 2,000 this season.

"It feels good to be mentioned with Brad Mueller," said Bair. "Just from watching him play, he's one of the greatest ever to play at Mars and was able to get a Division I scholarship (to Boston College).

"That's my goal," added Bair. "I want to play football at a D-I school."

First things first, though, for Bair.

His assault on the school record book should make for an exciting next season and a half.

"I would love to help Bill get the record," said Brettell. "He works hard and he deserves it."

Here is a breakdown of Mars running back Bill Bair's touchdowns through five games.<B>Opponent...............TD</B>Laurel...............4*Riverside...............2Shenango...............2New Brighton...............4Cornell...............4<B>Total...............16</B>* Includes one scored on a kickoff return