Mars football 2024 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know and schedule

August 16, 2024 Last Updated: August 18, 2024 11:15 AM Sports

Mars football players, front row from left, Luke Goodworth, Eric Kasperowicz, and Brady Jordan; back row from left, Adam Budzilek, Logan Becker, Coach Eric Kasperowicz and Mason Childress pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football players, front from left, Luke Goodworth, Brady Jordan, Eric Kasperowicz, Logan Becker and Mason Childress along with Adam Budzilek, back left, and Coach Eric Kasperowicz pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football players, front from left, Luke Goodworth, Eric Kasperowicz, and Brady Jordan, and back from left, Adam Budzilek, Logan Becker, Coach Eric Kasperowicz, and Mason Childress pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football players including Mason Childress, Eric Kasperowicz, Brady Jordan, Luke Goodworth, Logan Becker and Adam Budzilek pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football players Luke Goodworth, Mason Childress, Eric Kasperowicz, Brady Jordan, Logan Becker and Adam Budzilek pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football player Adam Budzilek poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football coach Eric Kasperowicz poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football player Luke Goodworth poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars Brady Jordan poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football player Eric Kasperowicz poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football player Logan Becker poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Mars football player Mason Childress poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)

Ryan Walker poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Raymond Chase poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jameson Dickman poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Nico Salvini poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jameson Garvin poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Adam Budzilek poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Blake Yates poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Cole Spencer poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Andy Diaz poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Logan Becker poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Brady Jordan poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Dominic DeBasi poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Mason Childress poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Ethan Kresinski poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Eric Kasperowicz Jr. poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Landon Haddad poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Paxton Hartle poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Senaka Wilson poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jimmy Sommers poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Chase Stamper poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Zack Hugus poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Chris Recchia poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Tyler Hardek poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Luciano Cuzzocrea poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Ethan Painley poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Adam Genevro poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Shawn Mackalica poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Sean Franklin poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Zach Dentel poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jonnie Maestra poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Logan O'Brien poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jameson Astarb poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jacob Noe poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Dayton Schuckert poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Tyan Tsai poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Luke Goodworth poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Nathan Tak poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Gavin Best poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Ayden Yocum poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Josh Blanco poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Liam Hein poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Jason Droske poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Colton Ewing poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Gabe Hein poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Brian Biaku poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Mars football players, front row from left, Luke Goodworth, Eric Kasperowicz, and Brady Jordan; back row from left, Adam Budzilek, Logan Becker, Coach Eric Kasperowicz and Mason Childress pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football players, front from left, Luke Goodworth, Brady Jordan, Eric Kasperowicz, Logan Becker and Mason Childress along with Adam Budzilek, back left, and Coach Eric Kasperowicz pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football players, front from left, Luke Goodworth, Eric Kasperowicz, and Brady Jordan, and back from left, Adam Budzilek, Logan Becker, Coach Eric Kasperowicz, and Mason Childress pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football players including Mason Childress, Eric Kasperowicz, Brady Jordan, Luke Goodworth, Logan Becker and Adam Budzilek pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football players Luke Goodworth, Mason Childress, Eric Kasperowicz, Brady Jordan, Logan Becker and Adam Budzilek pose for a group shot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football player Adam Budzilek poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football coach Eric Kasperowicz poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football player Luke Goodworth poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars Brady Jordan poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football player Eric Kasperowicz poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football player Logan Becker poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Mars football player Mason Childress poses for a headshot during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, August 9. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/9/2024)
Ryan Walker poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Raymond Chase poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jameson Dickman poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Nico Salvini poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jameson Garvin poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Adam Budzilek poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Blake Yates poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Cole Spencer poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Andy Diaz poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Logan Becker poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Brady Jordan poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Dominic DeBasi poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Mason Childress poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Ethan Kresinski poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Eric Kasperowicz Jr. poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Landon Haddad poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Paxton Hartle poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Senaka Wilson poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jimmy Sommers poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Chase Stamper poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Zack Hugus poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Chris Recchia poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Tyler Hardek poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Luciano Cuzzocrea poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Ethan Painley poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Adam Genevro poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Shawn Mackalica poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Sean Franklin poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Zach Dentel poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jonnie Maestra poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Logan O'Brien poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jameson Astarb poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jacob Noe poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Dayton Schuckert poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Tyan Tsai poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Luke Goodworth poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Nathan Tak poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Gavin Best poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Ayden Yocum poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Josh Blanco poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Liam Hein poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Jason Droske poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Colton Ewing poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Gabe Hein poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)
Brian Biaku poses for a headshot during the football media day at Mars Area Middle School on Thursday, August 8. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (8/8/2024)

Mars football is striving for a state crown. The Planets, however, don’t speak of that goal.

Last season’s appearance in the WPIAL Class 4A semifinal was proof of the program’s steady improvement under Eric Kasperowicz. The third-year coach knows the path to becoming the best in Pennsylvania, having done so twice while he was in charge of nearby Pine-Richland.

Mars won only one game the year before Kasperowicz took the reins and finished 10-3 last season. There’s a method to how he expects the team to make another jump in 2024.

Mars football: What to watch in PA football season 2024

The Planets aren’t peering into any telescopes. They’re much more content pulling out their magnifying glasses.

“You’ve got to focus on what’s happening now,” senior linebacker Logan Becker said. “You’re at practice and you’ve got to be (like), ‘How can I make this my best practice that I’ve ever had?’ Just keep moving forward and keep improving in practice.

“It’s not the same team as last year, you have to realize that. That kind of helps you think about now instead of the future or the past.”

Fellow senior and defensive back Brady Jordan views it as a gradual process, one that sets up success on the tail end.

“You’ve got to focus on what the goals are at the moment and, step-by-step, build yourself up and crescendo at the top,” Jordan said.

The frame of mind encouraged and spearheaded by Kasperowicz and his assistant coaches doesn’t allow players to harp on mistakes, only to atone for them later on. He acknowledged everyone has a bad day — whether it be missing a tackle, throwing an interception or dropping a pass.

Kasperowicz wants his players to move on and concern themselves with the next play. Or review film and shift the focus to the following time out.

“It’s more of a day-by-day,” he said. “The rest takes care of itself.”

It also fosters a secure attitude. Becker stressed the team has to get over the hump by beating teams it didn’t last year. Two of them — Montour and Aliquippa — line up back-to-back on Mars’ calendar in September.

“You can’t be scared of anybody,” senior tailback/defensive back Eric Kasperowicz Jr. said. “We’ve just got to have confidence in ourselves, what we’ve been doing the whole year and just go out and play Mars football.”

The level of competition is something the Planets have grown accustomed to.

“Being in 4A, it’s a tough division because every team’s got solid players,” junior defensive tackle Adam Budzilek said. “Playing teams like Aliquippa and Central Valley, it really opened our eyes because we saw how good other teams could be. But we stepped up to the challenge.”

3 things to know about 2024 Mars Planets football

Mars football players, front from left, Luke Goodworth, Brady Jordan, Eric Kasperowicz Jr., Logan Becker and Mason Childress along with, back from left, Adam Budzilek, and coach Eric Kasperowicz pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

1. Relevant redress

Evan Wright gained a lot of ground last year, rushing for 1,863 yards and 33 scores. He’s since graduated. The team’s two leading tacklers from last year — Jacob Maple and Connor Hartle — also turned their tassels earlier this summer.

Others will have to make a name for themselves.

“That’s what a program is about,” coach Eric Kasperowicz said. “You’re going to have good players and they’re going to leave. You need the next guys to step up. ... It’s up to myself and my staff and how (we’re) prepping these players so when the Evan Wrights and the Jake Maples do move on, the guys behind them are ready.”

The head coach said development has also come in practice, JV games and reps, while Friday night games have been well in hand. That’s not to say there isn’t any with valuable experience stepping in.

Senior Eric Kasperowicz Jr. and junior Ayden Yocum will share the backfield. The former scampered for more than 400 yards as a starting signal caller in 2022, while the latter had 50 totes last year.

2. Welcome back

Three starters are back in both the defensive front and the secondary.

Senior Ethan Painley and juniors Ethan Kresinski and Budzilek will be back in their three-point stances in the trenches. Seniors Eric Kasperowicz Jr., Mason Childress and Brady Jordan patrol the defensive backfield. Communication and established chemistry will be bactors at both levels.

“You know you can rely on those guys in certain situations,” Budzilek said. “It doesn’t put that much stress on you, and it’s just really nice to have.”

3. Good things from Goodworth

Senior Luke Goodworth’s 2,168-yard passing effort last year was the best in any season in Mars’ existence. This time around, he’s more aware of what to expect and has a better handle on the playbook and the personnel surrounding him.

“There’s a lot of responsibility with being a quarterback,” Goodworth said. “I think just making sure everyone is on the same page (is important) — being vocal and being able to talk to my teammates about whatever.”

Goodworth added he expects to air the ball out more as the new-look ground game finds its footing.

“We’ll go as far as Luke will take us,” coach Eric Kasperowicz said.

Mars football players, front from left, Luke Goodworth, Eric Kasperowicz Jr. and Brady Jordan, and back from left, Adam Budzilek, Logan Becker, coach Eric Kasperowicz and Mason Childress pose for a group photo during the Butler Eagle Football Media Day at Butler High School on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle

Mars football schedule 2024