Mars defense stepped up in team’s run to WPIAL quarterfinals
ADAMS TWP — Eric Kasperowicz knew that his Mars football team’s defense had to improve if the Planets were to build on last year’s 6-5 record and first-round exit from the WPIAL playoffs.
Considering the squad enters Friday’s Class 4A quarterfinal against Central Valley with a 9-2 record, it’s obvious the defense has pulled its weight. But the specific numbers related to the elevated play are striking.
In most of the team’s wins this fall, reserves have played much of the second half due to Mars dominating on the scoreboard, but the starting defense has allowed just 10 points per game.
It’s in stark contrast to the stretch run last season when the Planets struggled to stop the run and pass and lost three of their last four games, allowing an average of 49 points in those setbacks.
“We had some guys move into starting roles this year and they’ve really stepped up,” said senior linebacker Jacob Maple, who paces the team with 64 tackles. “We’re playing a more physical style of football.”
Through 11 games, the Planets are allowing an average of just 214 yards to opposing offenses.
“This is the best defense we’ve played since I got here,” said Kasperowicz. “We have guys flying around and making plays.”
The defense has combined with a powerful offense to land Mars one win away from the district’s final four. Ironically, it was during a 26-23 loss to Moon in late September when Maple realized this year’s team could trump the accomplishments of 2022.
“We were down 19-0 in that game, came back in the second half and scored 23 straight points,” he said. “That was the game when we showed what the whole team can do. It boosted our confidence.”
And the Planets have not lost since. One of the wins in their current streak of six victories was a 38-0 blanking of Armstrong. The River Hawks entered that game averaging nearly 37 points per contest.
The starting defensive front for Mars includes ends Connor Hartle and Ethan Painley, tackles Adam Budzilek and Xander Painley.
Joining Maple at linebacker are Cole Yoshioka and Zach Dentel.
The secondary was dealt a blow when junior free safety Eric Kasperowicz was lost for the rest of the campaign with an injury sustained in the regular-season finale against North Catholic.
Kasperowicz contributed 62 tackles, an interception, one fumble recovery and another caused. He has been replaced by Aidan Alessio. The rest of the defensive backfield includes cornerbacks Brady Jordan and Nate Ewing and strong safety Mason Childress.
“At the beginning of the season, we were deep at all three levels of the defense,” said Coach Kasperowicz. “Things could get dicey if we lose another defensive back, but we’re fighting through it. To make a long playoff run, it’s a war of attrition.”
Mars will encounter a Central Valley team well aware of what it takes to consistently win in November. The Warriors (8-3) have played in the WPIAL title game four consecutive years and sport a ground game averaging 275 yards per contest this season.
“They’ll try to run the ball down our throat,” Maple said. “They’re a physical team and when they hit us, we have to hit right back.”
While the Planets have worked and prepared to extend their season beyond Friday’s game, seniors like Hartle, who has eight of the team’s 22 sacks, already know they have helped bring the program back to prominence.
He became a starter halfway through the 2021 season, which ended with a 2-8 record and one of those victories came by forfeit.
“Coach K came in before the next season, got on us hard and put us to work,” Hartle said. “It’s been a great experience for me to be part of rebuilding the program.”
