After Mars and New Brighton started the 2006 season with consecutive conference wins, they both tasted defeat last week.

Now the Planets and Lions will look to a non-conference game to get back on track.

They will meet with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday at New Brighton's home field.

Mars was on the short end of a 41-35 score against Shenango last Friday, while New Brighton lost to Beaver, 21-18.

"(New Brighton) always has tough, physical kids," said Planets' coach Scott Heinauer. "It should be a great challenge for us."

The Lions hail from the MidWestern Conference, which includes perennial power Aliquippa.

"We're glad to have the opportunity to play a non-conference game, but we want to win them all," added Heinauer.

The veteran coach is hoping his team can cut back on turnovers. Through three games, the Planets have turned the ball over 11 times.

The problem was magnified in last week's loss. Junior fullback Bill Bair tallied 246 yards on the ground and scored two touchdowns, but gave the ball away three times.

"He's had fumbling problems in the first few weeks," said Heinauer. "We just can't do that."

Mars quarterback D.J. Cannon is on pace to surpass his yardage through the air as a junior (1,106) by Week 8. He currently has 425 yards and three touchdowns.

Those scores have come from 45, 31 and 60 yards out.

The Planets top receiver is Josh Keil, who has tallied 11 receptions for 293 and two scores.

The Planets have proven to be a better team in the second half of games when it comes to outscoring opponents.

Mars has been outscored 61-47 in the first half this season, but has turned the tables on its opponents in the final two quarters, 40-13. The team has not given up a point in the third quarter all season.

Defensively, the Planets will have their hands full.

New Brighton's leader is senior quarterback Brandon Mosely, who stepped in at mid-season a year ago and almost led the Lions to a district playoff berth.

New Brighton ended up 4-3 in conference play, one game behind Beaver for the last postseason spot.

Mosely ended 2005 with 571 yards passing and five touchdowns. He has several veterans on the offensive line to keep his throwing lanes free of obstructions.

The Lions opened the season with wins over Beaver Falls (12-7) and Ellwood City (41-6). They last made the playoffs in 2003, losing to Jeannette in the first round.

Mars will be using the game to get ready for its next Tri-County North contest, Sept. 29 at Cornell.

Veteran New Brighton coach Joe Greco could not be reached for comment.