ADAMS TWP — Billy Bair shrugged.

It was no big deal.

Add another talent to the growing list for the Mars senior running back.

Apparently, he's ambidextrous.

Bair took a pitch from John Brake, pulled up and floated a 13-yard touchdown pass to Chris Herold with 2:57 remaining in the game to give Mars a 17-7 win in the first round of the WPIALClass AA football playoffs Friday night.

The twist is Bair, a right-hander, threw the pass with his left.

It was just the way it was drawn up.

"I threw it left-handed and it worked out," Bair said, grinning widely. "No need to turn around and give it away early."

The pass capped another brilliant night for Bair, who has amazed his teammates, fans and the rest of the WPIAL with his running prowess this season.

Friday, he added one more chapter to his legend.

Sure, he showed Valley his usual M.O. He darted through the Vikings defense for 175 yards on 30 carries. He scored a rushing touchdown and caught a 34-yard screen pass.

But his biggest play came with his opposite arm.

"They were running all day. Running. Running. Running," said Valley coach Troy Hill. "That's what happens when you have a good rushing attack."

Mars coach Scott Heinauer said he intended on running that play. He was just waiting for the right moment.

That moment actually came twice.

Mars (9-1) faced a fourth and 1 at the Valley 8, but was called for a false start that pushed the ball back 5 yards. The Planets simply lined up and ran the play again.

As soon as Bair received the pitch, Valley swarmed, leaving Herold all alone at the goal line where he caught the floating pass and took one step backward into the end zone.

"We thought possibly it would be better going the other way,"Heinauer said. "In big games, you have to take big chances."

Mars marched 74 yards in nine plays on the game's opening drive to score on Bair's 5-yard run.

After Valley fumbled at the Mars 30 on its first drive, the Planets threatened to score again, but turned the ball over on a poor exchange between Brake and Bair at the Vikings 14.

Mars committed three first-half turnovers.

The last one led to a 27-yard touchdown pass from Garrett Sekanick to Brad Marzullo to tie the score 7-7 at the half.

Valley (7-3) had just 10 players on the field on its touchdown play.

After that, Mars' defense was fierce.

The Planets picked off two passes and held the Vikings to 74 yards in the second half and 184 in the game.

Mars even got a boost from kicker Chris Karns.

The sophomore, who donned a spiffy new pair of bright red shoes, booted a 31-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter for a 10-7 lead.

The field goal came a play after Valley jumped offside on what was to be a 36-yard attempt.

Karns' 31-yarder barely cleared the crossbar.

"He just got those shoes a couple of days ago," Bair said. "He says they are good luck. I guess they are."

Valley's defense — and tackle Andre Johnson in particular —made Bair feel every yard he gained.

Johnson had 12 tackles for the Vikings.

"Man, they hit hard," Bair said. "I'm a little banged up. I give those kids a lot of credit. They played a heck of a game."

The road doesn't get any easier for the Planets.

Mars will battle Aliquippa, which thumped Burgettstown 36-0, next week at a site to be determined.

<a href="http://video.butlereagle.com/gridiron/gridiron.html" target="_blank">Check out video highlights of this Game of the Week on our GRIDIRON site!</a>