ADAMS TWP — Forcing an opponent into third-and-long situations usually benefits the defense.

But Hopewell's offense didn't care about the law of averages.

In the first half of their game at Mars Friday, the Vikings converted third down plays of 9, 12, 13, 18 and 20 yards.

It led to Mars' first loss of the season, a 34-7 setback.

On his team's first drive, Hopewell's Rushel Shell gained 13 yards on a third-and-12 play up to the Vikings' 44-yard line.

Three plays later, quarterback Tyler George connected with Mark Ross for 14 yards on third and 9.

Ross capped the drive with a 20-yard touchdown reception from George, the first of three times the duo would score through the air.

The second instance came in the second quarter, when George found his top target from 22 yards out on a third-and-18 play.

The score gave the Vikings a 14-0 lead with 8:39 left in the first half.

"That can't happen to your defense," said Mars coach Scott Heinauer. "You just have to suck it up and make a play on third down. That's what it comes down to."

George, a senior, ended the game completing seven of 10 passes for 162 yards and the three touchdowns.

Ross caught five passes for 120 yards.

"Tyler made some good decisions with the football," said Vikings coach Dave Vestal. "We were just trying to take what (Mars) gave us.

"Those third-down plays, they're not situations you want to put yourself in," added Vestal. "But we did talk to the kids before the game about facing adversity."

The Planets were without senior cornerback Corey Slater, who missed the game with mononucleosis.

"That had a big impact on our defense, no doubt," said Heinauer. "We need as many guys out there as we can get. Hopefully, he'll be back next week."

Hopewell drove 52 yards in 12 plays near the end of the first half only to have Adam Gibboney's 20-yard field goal attempt hit the left upright.

Even though Mars fullback Shane Kaclik was held to 30 yards rushing in the first half and the Planets were outgained in total offense 205-62 in that span, they were down just 14-0.

But Drew Howard changed that on the first play from scrimmage in the third quarter.

Hopewell's senior halfback took a handoff and broke over left tackle before outracing Chris Herold down the sideline for an 80-yard scoring run and a 21-0 edge.

The one bright spot for Mars came early in the final period.

The Planets' defense held on downs and the team's offense drove 25 yards in six plays, with quarterback John Brake scoring from a yard out.

Christopher Karns added the extra point to cut Hopewell's lead to 21-7 with 10:34 left.

But the Vikings (2-0) added two late touchdowns to ice the game.

Kaclik was held to 57 yards on 12 carries and Brake completed three of 15 passes for 68 yards.

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