NEW CASTLE — Mars football coach Scott Heinauer hoped that he would be able play his starters for more than one half on Friday night.

For better or for worse, his hopes weren't realized.

The Planets jumped to a 28-0 halftime lead on their way to a 61-14 win over Union-New Castle.

Junior running back Billy Bair led Mars with 220 rushing yards and four scores in 2Z\x quarters.

"(Bair) is a very good running back," said Heinauer. "But we have some people up front who can block, too."

Union controlled the first quarter, limiting the Planets to five offensive plays.

The Scotties drove to the Mars 23-yard line on their second possession but were turned away when Josh Keil picked off a Mike Pelto pass near the goal line and returned it to the Mars 24.

"That has been our M.O. all year," said Union coach Stacy Robinson. "We start off well then we do something to shoot ourselves in the foot."

Keil had two interceptions on the night.

Mars capitalized six plays later when Bair took a handoff on a draw and raced 28 yards for the score.

With 3:10 left before halftime, the Mars air attack swung into action when D.J. Cannon ran a bootleg left and found Josh Bender in the end zone for a 28-yard score.

Cannon was 3-for-5 passing for 45 yards and the score.

"We can throw the ball, and we wanted to work on that tonight because we are going to need it later," said Heinauer.

Bair added another score with 45 seconds left before halftime when he plowed his way touchdown.

The Planets had to travel only 11 yards for the score because Carroll Smith intercepted a Pelto pass and returned it to the Union 11.

Pelto was 10-of-22 passing for 134 yards, but had three interceptions. while Bair had 120 yards rushing before halftime.

Mars scored again on the second play of the third quarter when Bair dashed 40 yards down the sideline for the touchdown.

"With (Mars') offense, if you try to single out one guy, somebody else can beat you," said Robinson. "They are a potent, well-coached team, a well-oiled machine."