Mars' Jake Wooldridge (1) fights through a stiff arm to take down Hampton running back Joe Liberto last week. The Planet defense will be challenged by a versatile Highlands attack Friday night.

This is one in a series of articles previewing Butler County high school football matchups this weekend.How the top of the Greater Allegheny Conference football standings look in six weeks could directly be affected by the showdown in Natrona Heights Friday night.Highlands and Mars will face off after both earned impressive victories in Week 1.Highlands routed Knoch last week, 39-7, and Mars took care of Hampton, 35-13.The last word from the WPIAL was that the district's Class 4A playoff bracket would include eight teams — the top two teams from the three conferences, plus a pair of wild card teams.But, as with so many other things affected by the coronavirus, that plan could change. Mars coach Scott Heinauer isn't taking anything for granted.“Nobody really knows how many teams will be going to the playoffs,” he said. “There's no non-conference games and it's given us more of a sense of urgency.”Friday's game will be a contrast in styles as the Golden Rams will bring a potent passing attack into the contest while Mars features its usual ground game that eats up yards in bunches.Though only a sophomore, Highlands quarterback Chandler Thimons is playing like someone with more experience.“He started last year (passed for nearly 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns),” said Rams' coach Dom Girardi. “So he's got more games under his belt than some seniors.“He's open to learning, wants to understand the concept behind a play, why we're doing what we're doing. He's fun to coach.”Mars' secondary consists of cornerbacks Jake Wooldridge and Evan Thompson and safeties Anthony Vargo and Quinn Fuller.“They'll be put to the test this week,” said Heinauer.Thimons is a big reason why the Rams have high hopes after last year's 3-7 finish, but there is no shortage of talent with his teammates.Running back Brock White rushed for 800 yards last season and piled up 101 last week while scoring four total touchdowns.Elijah Coleman is one of several capable receivers and had 133 yards against Knoch.On defense, Highlands has its top four tacklers back from a year ago, though Girardi knows the unit will face a formidable test.Mars fullback Teddy Ruffner gashed Hampton for 248 yards and four scores.“The Wing-T is a good scheme,” said Girardi. “Their kids have been running it for years and it's second nature to them. They have an answer for just about anything a defense does.“Our defense looked good at the end of last season. We have a lot of kids back and just want to keep that up.”Fuller, Mars' junior quarterback, completed four of his five passes for 47 yards last week. Any success the Planets have in their aerial attack can only help loosen up opposing defenses that are geared to contain Ruffner.Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Eagle sports staff's third season of Upon Further Review, a weekly show discussing Butler County area high school football, can be viewed on the Butler Eagle Sports Facebook page.