ADAMS TWP — It's Shane Kaclik's time, and the Mars senior is determined to make the most of it.

Kaclik started at wingback last season, totaling 593 yards and nine touchdowns.

But with the graduation of Bill Bair, the Planets' all-time leading rusher, Kaclik will move into the fullback spot.

With the likes of Chuck Green, Brad Mueller, Paul Ferrese and Bair starring at the position before him, Kaclik knows a lot is expected of him.

"I should be getting more carries this year, moving from wingback to fullback," said Kaclik, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs just over 200 pounds. "My goal is to get at least 1,500 yards."

"Shane did a great job last year," said veteran Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "He's done everything we've asked of him and he's earned this opportunity."

Kaclik showed promise last year, gaining 542 yards on just 73 carries — 7.4 yards per carry — to help Mars to the first outright section title in program history.

This year, he will be carrying the load.

As Kaclik points out, "Our line's very good. They should be able to help me out."

That offensive front includes four returning starters in center Nolan Nearhoof, tackles Chad Nelson and Brody Evanson and tight end Dan King.

Evanson (6-1, 290), Nelson (6-5, 273) and Nearhoof (6-2, 260) will be imposing figures to defenses.

"All three of them spent a lot of time in the weight room," said Heinauer. "And they can all run five seconds in the 40 (yard dash). That's really good for big guys."

Replacing Kaclik at wingback will be one of three players:either seniors Garrett Smith or Corey Slater or sophomore Austin Miele.

John Brake again will be the quarterback after throwing for 473 yards, three touchdowns and six interceptions in 2007.

Heinauer is confident the 6-4, 190-pound Brake can improve on last year's play.

"He's a year wiser and he knows what to expect this year," said Heinauer. "He's going to be an important part of the offense this year and I think he'll do fine."

Chris Herold caught only one pass last season at split end, but his athletic ability gives him big-play potential.

He's also one of the starters the Planets have back on defense, where he will man the free safety spot.

Other returning starters include Evanson, Nearhoof and Nevan O'Donnell on the line, Kaclik and King at linebacker and Slater at cornerback.

Smith, who saw extensive playing time at cornerback last year, will man the opposite flank for the Planets.

Randy Seebacher, Cameron Malewski and Brake are up for the starting strong safety spot.

Junior Christopher Karns, who booted one field goal and 33 extra points in 2008, returns as the kicker. Kaclik will handle the punting duties.

Mars makes the move to Class AAA this year and has been placed in the Greater Allegheny Conference with the likes of Franklin Regional, Hampton, Highlands, Knoch and Indiana.

The Planets open the season Friday at Moon.