Disappointment does not often fall upon Mars' boys lacrosse team, but the Planets felt the full weight of it one year ago.

They reached the PIAA championship game, the first WPIAL team to do so, before dropping a 14-5 decision to Allentown Central Catholic. It was the only loss of the season for Mars.

"The last seconds ticked off the clock at last year's title game and we made a vow at that point to get back," said Mars coach Bob Marcoux.

And here the Planets (22-1) are, preparing to play for the PIAA Class 2A crown once again after a dominating regular season and dispatching six playoff opponents by a combined score of 116-22.

Their second chance for state supremacy will come against Marple Newtown, from suburban Philadelphia. The teams will face off at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Harold Zimmerman Stadium in West Chester.

Mars will arrive there after successfully balancing lofty goals with the day-to-day grind of practices and games during the regular season.

"We've been focused all season, but the closer we got (to the final), the more focused the players became because they could feel it," Marcoux said.

The Planets feature an attack that is not only incredibly potent, but also very balanced. It helped Mars win its sixth straight WPIAL title last month.

Enzo Grieco and Wesley Scurci lead the way with 79 goals apiece while Austin Cote has scored 74 times. Four other players have found the net at least 25 times.

Assists, too, have been spread around. Scurci has 43, Jack Dunham 33 and Cote 30.

The defense includes Quinn Fuller, who was recently named WPIAL Class 2A player of the year.

Junior goalie Jonathan Grieco recently returned to the starting lineup following an injury. During his absence, freshman Luke Spreng minded the net.

"Jonathan provides a bit more leadership to our defense, but we have two very capable goalies," Marcoux said.

By all accounts, the Planets will encounter their stiffest test of the season in Marple Newtown. The Tigers (20-4), the District 1 champions who have turned their first appearance in the state playoffs in 24 years into a bid for a state title, are powered by brothers Charlie and Brian Box, a senior midfielder and freshman attack, respectively. The duo has combined for over 200 points this season.

Brian Box scored four goals in Tuesday's 14-7 semifinal victory over Lampeter Strasburg.

"They're two of the best players we will have faced, for sure," said Marcoux. "Brian Box is probably one of the best freshmen in the country.

"(The Tigers) are disciplined on offense and very good on defense, too. We'll have our hands full."

Mars and Marple Newtown have faced one common opponent this season — Penncrest. While the Planets defeated the Lions 16-8 in Tuesday's semifinal, the Tigers topped them twice, including 10-9 in the District 1 final last month.

Marple Newtown coach Kevin Merchant could not be reached for comment.