ADAMS TWP — Jake Rosswog and Sam Morrissey both bring different skill sets to the quarterback position and the Mars football team plans to take advantage of that.

“Jake is a senior and has a bit more of an understanding of the offense,” said Mars coach Scott Heinauer, whose team is preparing for its 2014 opener at Indiana Friday night. “Because of that, he will be the starter.

“Their play in camp was even,” he added. “Sam is more of a runner and could see time at quarterback in every game this season.”

The Planets' offense will be counting on solid play from the line, which is a mixture of returning starters and newcomers to the starting lineup.

The experience lies with left tackle Gabe Spurlock, left guard Trevor Heyl and right guard Hunter Cooper. The rest of the front will include Josh Skurka at right tackle, C.J. Ciafre at center and tight end John Castello. Luke Rouda could also see time at center.

“They've really come together in practice,” said Heinauer. “They didn't have any problems in a scrimmage (last week) against Pine-Richland. They'll be fine.”

Defensively, the Planets will have their hands full while facing Indiana's mid-line option.

The Indians return their top receiver from last year in Riley Stapleton, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior who caught 55 passes for 702 yards and five touchdowns last year.

He has made a verbal commitment to play basketball at Indiana (Pa.) University, but also has received football offers from James Madison and Colgate.

“He is a great athlete and a kid who we have to be concerned with,” said Heinauer. “Their quarterback, Jacob Zilinskas, is (head coach Mark Zilinskas' son). When you have a father-son combination like that, you know the quarterback is going to understand the offense. The mid-line option, like the Wing-T that we run, causes a lot of problems for defenses.”

Jacob Zilinskas, who will be starting at safety for the third straight year, did get some experience as a signal caller last year, throwing for 448 yards and four touchdowns.

“Those numbers came in six quarters of football,” said Coach Zilinskas. “So he has been exposed to those situations and it has helped his confidence. He had a productive summer in 7-on-7 drills and has developed into a pretty physical quarterback.”

Mars' defensive captains are linebacker Josh Schultheis and tackle Gabe Spurlock.

“Our front seven is going to be key for us. We have to be able to shut down the run,” said Heinauer. “We plan on showing some different looks on defense. If you show a team just one look, you'll be in trouble.”

Since moving to Class AAA in 2008, Mars is 1-2 on the road against the Indians, losing in 2008 and 2011 and winning in 2012.

Heinauer's next victory will be his 150th with the Planets.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.