Mars overcame a subpar first half to defeat Armstrong last week, 42-21.

Even so, Planets' coach Scott Heinauer is hoping to avoid an early letdown against Northern Conference foe Shaler when the Titans invade the Mars Athletic Complex Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

The Planets trailed at halftime, 14-13, last Friday after allowing a pair of touchdown drives to the host River Hawks.

Mars (3-2 overall) and Shaler (2-3) are tied for fourth place in the conference standings with 1-1 records.

“We know what's at stake in this game and I'm sure they do, too,” said Heinauer. “We can't get off to a slow start this week.”

Being in playoff contention is still relatively new for Shaler, which was winless five times in six seasons from 2012-17. The Titans returned to postseason play last year, dropping a first-round game to West Allegheny to finish the year at 4-7.

Shaler knocked off Franklin Regional in a non-conference affair last week, 28-17.

“We're a pretty confident team right now,” said Shaler coach Jim Ryan said. “We are focused on winning games to put ourselves in good position entering the playoffs.”

When it comes to the team's postseason hopes, senior quarterback Darin Mizgorski shoulders a lot of responsibility. He threw for 1,623 yards and 13 touchdowns a year ago. Through five games this season, he has 735 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions.

“This is his fourth year as a starter,” said Ryan. “He's done a phenomenal job of understanding coverages and making the right reads.”

In last year's 21-12 win over the Titans, Mars held Mizgorski to 110 passing yards and one touchdown while intercepting him once.

Running back Jake Miller leads the Titans with 408 yards rushing and six touchdowns.

“They throw the ball more than they run and they're a big team,” Heinauer said. “That's a concern for us. Beating Franklin Regional was a big accomplishment for them.”

Mars' offense is centered around junior fullback Teddy Ruffner, who has already blown past the 1,000-yard mark. He's currently sitting on 1,064 yards and 15 touchdowns. But his production is due to a lot of other players doing their job, including wingbacks Joe DeLuca, Nick Spotti and Ben Chizmar.

Spotti leads the trio in rushing with 240 yards and two scores, but the position brings with it key responsibility on every play.

“They've done a great job blocking,” said Heinauer. “We have confidence in those guys. Joe was out last week, but we're hoping to have him back Friday.”

Quarterbacks Quinn Fuller and Drew Schlegel have combined to pass for 219 yards with one touchdown and six interceptions. Heinauer said the offense needs to have more balance.

“We need to be able to run and throw the football this week,” he said.

“Mars has a heck of a fullback and they're big up front,” said Ryan. “We have to meet force with force.”