Mars' football team takes to the field last Friday evening at Moon Area High School. The Planets will look to rebound from a 26-23 loss against the Tigers when they host Highlands Friday night. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

The momentum Mars gained from a recent 3-game winning streak was broken last week when the Planets lost a 26-23 decision at Moon.

It was not a typical defeat as Mars (3-2, 1-0) fell behind by 19 points, rallied to take a 23-19 lead before the Tigers scored a late decisive touchdown.

"We muffed a punt, they recovered and scored on the very next play," said Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz of the loss. "There were a lot of things that transpired during the game, things we could have done better, but I'm really proud of our kids for the way they battled. There's no quit in this team.

"It was a tough way to lose, but we are a more mature team this year. When we met on Saturday morning, the players were completely focused on Highlands."

The Golden Rams pay a visit to the Mars Athletic Complex Friday to take on the Planets in a Greater Allegheny Conference showdown at 7 p.m. Friday.

Highlands (4-1, 1-1), fresh off a 28-21 win over Indiana, features a powerful rushing attack that is averaging 280 yards per game. Running back Luke Bombalski has rushed for 492 yards and teammate Darius Cherry gained 116 yards last week.

Quarterback Aaran Randolph, a big part of the onslaught on the ground with 481 yards, has not played the last two weeks. His replacement is Menage Lucas, who ran for two scores and threw for another against Indiana.

Highlands coach Matt Bonislawski could not be reached for comment and it is unclear who will start at quarterback against Mars.

"Traditionally, preparing for an opponent when you don't know who the quarterback will be is very difficult," Kasperowicz said, "but in this case (Randolph and Lucas) are very similar. Either way, we should be OK."

Mars' starting linebackers — Cole Yoshioka, Jacob Maple and Logan Becker (for the injured Zach Dentel) — have combined for 64 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. They will be counted on to help contain Highlands' effort on the ground.

The Planet offense is averaging 213 passing yards per game and 161 on the ground, 86 percent of the latter coming from senior running back Evan Wright and his 692 rushing yards.

"Highlands definitely has an aggressive defense," Kasperowicz said. "They play a 3-3 stack and that's a different type of scheme. We have to be sound offensively and not turn the ball over."

The Golden Rams scored a 54-22 victory against the Planets last season.