Other worldly
It has no jersey number and you can't measure its height or weight, but momentum is currently one of the Mars football team's biggest weapons.
The Planets have won three straight games, including upset wins over Hampton (20-14) in the regular-season finale Oct. 24 and Montour (42-27) in the first round of the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs last Friday.
“It's possible for momentum to carry over,” said Mars coach Scott Heinauer, “but your opponent changes from week to week. Not many people expected us to win last week and we'll be underdogs again this week.”
That's because the Planets (7-3) will be facing an undefeated Thomas Jefferson squad that has outscored its 10 opponents 470-90. The Jaguars, who defeated Moon 49-14 in the first round last week, hail from the Big Nine Conference. Two of their wins this season came against conference foes Uniontown and Albert Gallatin, who combined for just one win this season.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Chartiers Valley High School Stadium.
TJ (10-0) mostly runs the Wildcat on offense, spearheaded by running back Austin Kemp. The 5-foot-11, 210-pound senior has amassed 1,794 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. He has also attempted six passes this year, completing three for 72 yards and a pair of touchdowns. As a team, the Jaguars have attempted just 27 passes all season.
“He (Kemp) is a big kid, but also has speed,” said Jaguars' coach Bill Cherpak. “He's a leader and is good in the huddle, just like a quarterback would be.”
Sophomore Quinton Hill has added 709 yards and 11 scores for TJ, which has totaled 56 rushing touchdowns on the year.
“They switch to the I-formation every once in a while,” said Heinauer. “If one (scheme) isn't working, I'm sure they'll go with the other. At this time of the year, coaches won't deviate from what got them to this point. I can guarantee this, the play will be very physical this week.”
Mars' latest win yielded clutch efforts on both sides of the ball. Senior fullback Ori Rinaman rushed for 235 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Planets reach the district quarterfinals for the third straight season.
The offensive effort included strong play from the line, which features center C.J. Ciafre, guards Trevor Heyl and Alex Tumminello, tackles Hunter Cooper and Gabe Spurlock and tight end John Castello.
“Right now the line is playing very well,” said Heinauer. “Last week was probably its best game this season. You have to be playing your best in November.”
Cherpak knows that Mars' Wing-T offense presents a unique challenge for his 4-4 defense.
“We try to be an attacking defense and fly to the ball,” he said, “but that's tough to do against Mars. With their offense, it doesn't leave you with much room to stunt and blitz.”
The Planet defense forced four turnovers in defeating Montour.
“We were very physical up front,” said Heinauer. “Our kids covered their wide receivers very well. We had some hard hits and that caused a few of the turnovers.”
Heinauer was also pleased to see his team commit just a pair of penalties for 25 yards.
“We know we have to keep doing that,” he added. “Turnovers and penalties, those are things that good teams take advantage of.”
The Planets and Jags had two common opponents this season. They both defeated Laurel Highlands, 44-6 and 48-19, respectively. Mars fell to Franklin Regional 21-15 while the Jags beat the Panthers 24-6.
