Mars football 2026 preview: What to watch, 3 things to know and schedule
Over the past four seasons, notable Western Pa. high school coach Eric Kasperowicz helped lift Mars into the conversation of the WPIAL’s best. He left to take over at his alma mater, North Hills, this offseason, closing the book on one successful era for the Planets.
Enter Zachary Benedek, a young, offensive-minded leader who is aiming to kickstart another with his own flavor.
Mars will look a little different organizationally on the field, and no starting spot is a given. If things pan out how Benedek and his players prefer, however, the Planets will reach new heights in his first campaign in charge.
Benedek, a varsity passing game coordinator who also oversaw the freshman team at Mt. Lebanon for the past two years, learned what he wanted his own program to look like in those roles. He’s wasted no time bringing those ideas to life.
Through team activities, Benedek has established his philosophy as he’s settled into his role as the Planets’ leader, pointing to the quote, “We are what we repeatedly do, therefore excellence is not an act, but a habit.”
Benedek is stressing accountability with everything from matching attire down to racking weights the right way.
“It was a big change, but right now ... we’re past the settling-in stage,” senior offensive lineman Jameson Dickman said.
A school district that continues to grow, Mars could one day find itself in the higher WPIAL classifications, but is presently focused on how to climb to the top of Class 4A.
“It’s (of) big importance to recognize where we were and the success that we’ve had, but also (figure out), ‘How do we break through to that final game? How do we get to the WPIAL championship?’” Benedek said. “I think a big thing that I’ve been preaching to the guys is belief. ... If they want that and that’s their goal, all their actions have to reflect that goal.”
Despite being under new stewardship, the Planets aren’t going back to the drawing board expectations-wise. Schematically, yes, but more on that in a bit. Those that might be questioning how Mars will look as a whole might not after a game or two.
“I think there’s gonna be doubts, but I think that they’re gonna get extinguished Week 0,” senior edge rusher/running back Ryan Walker said. “I don’t think they’re gonna last long.”
1. Proving it: Benedek, 25, wasn’t on many people’s radar when he was tapped to wear the Planets’ headset.
“I would probably have been shocked the same way if I didn’t know who this guy was from the other side of Pittsburgh,” Benedek said. “I think as you get to know me, and as you kinda see how I operate things, you understand that a little more. ... I think I have a chip on my shoulder a little bit of wanting other young guys to get an opportunity.”
2. New defense: The Planets have a group of players that fit a 5-1 defensive scheme, switching from a 4-3 last fall.
“We have the ability to adapt and switch stuff up front-wise, and have a lot of adjustments,” Benedek said. “If you execute properly, it’s a very dangerous defense.”
Benedek added he’s excited to see Walker, an all-conference performer, “unleashed” on the edge, while classmate Jameson Garvin will man the linebacker spot behind the five linemen.
“I have free range,” said Garvin, who wants to set the program’s single-season tackles record. “I don’t have a really set gap that I have to be confined to, so I can just go work sideline-to-sideline, kind of have free flow.”
3. New playmakers: Benedek predicted senior Smyth Dunaway and junior Brady Brennan will have breakout efforts within a receivers room that also includes senior Gus Coffield, junior Brody Spencer and Kellan Garvin. Garvin, a sophomore, stands tall at 6-foot-6.
“All of them have the traits to be the next big-play wide receiver,” Dickman said.
- Aug. 28, 7 — Seneca Valley at Mars
- Sept. 4, 7 — Mars at Aliquippa
- Sept. 11, 7 — Chartiers Valley at Mars
- Sept. 18, 7 — Mars at Hampton
- Sept. 25, 7 — Trinity at Mars
- Oct. 3, 1 — Mars at Shaler
- Oct. 9, 7 — Blackhawk at Mars*
- Oct. 16, 7 — New Castle at Mars*
- Oct. 23, 7 — Mars at Montour*
- Oct. 30, 7 — Mars at Central Valley*
*Section game
2025: 8-3*
2024: 6-6*
2023: 10-3*
2022: 6-5*
2021: 2-8
*Made playoffs
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during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mars head coach Zachary Benedek, center, talks to Butler Radio's Tyler Friel, left, while players listen during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mars head coach Zachary Benedek talks to Eagle sports reporter Brendan Howe during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mars' Jameson Garvin (8), Ryan Walker (4) and Jameson Dickman (77) warm their hands over the football recording a touchdown celebration during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mars’ Jameson Dickman (77), Jameson Garvin (8) and Ryan Walker (4) watch a video they recorded during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mars' Jameson Garvin (8), Jameson Dickman (77) and Ryan Walker (4) pose with head coach Zachary Benedek, front, during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mars' Jameson Garvin (8), Jameson Dickman (77) and Ryan Walker (4) pose with head coach Zachary Benedek, front, during Butler Eagle Football Media Day on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at Butler High School. Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle
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Mar's Jameson Garvin during media day. Thursday_ Aug, 6, _ 2026_ Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle.
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Mar's Ryan Walker during media day. Thursday_ Aug, 6, _ 2026_ Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle.
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Mar's Jameson Dickman during media day. Thursday_ Aug, 6, _ 2026_ Andrew Jackson/Butler Eagle.
