Planets break quad-A Mustangs
PLUM BORO — It was all Mars in a nonconference matchup with Plum Friday night.
Led by senior quarterback John Brake, who had three touchdowns, two of them passing, the Planets tore through the Mustangs defense with nearly 200 rushing yards in the first half on the way to a 34-0 road win.
Shane Kaclik rushed for 117 yards in the first half and finished with 146 yards on 17 carries.
But the soggy night belonged to the Planets defense.
Mars caused nine Plum turnovers and held its passers to three completions for 27 yards.
The Planets grabbed seven interceptions, returning one for a touchdown.
"It was a very big win," said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "It was the first time we've ever played a quad-A football program. I am proud of our kids."
After turning the ball over with a fumble on its opening possession, Mars put together a nine-play, 70-yard drive on its second.
A 33-yard pass from Brake to senior wide receiver Chris Herold capped the drive.
In the second quarter, Mars sustained two successful drives.
The first covered 85 yards and was finished off by Kaclik, who rumbled 6 yards for a score.
Kaclik also had a 58-yard run to set up the score.
The second scoring drive of the quarter went for 56 yards and included a 33-yard touchdown pass from Brake to senior running back Corey Slater.
By halftime, the Planets had outgained the Mustangs 227-24 and held an 11-1 edge in first downs.
The second half was more of the same for Mars.
In the third quarter, Brake scored on a quarterback sneak. In the fourth quarter, senior defensive back Garrett Smith intercepted Plum quarterback Brandon Plunkett and returned it 20 yards for a touchdown. It was Smith's third interception of the night.
Plum gained a large number of its yards in the fourth quarter after the Mars starters had left the game.
Ryan Allen led Plum with 81 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving.
