Mars hasn't had much luck against Thomas Jefferson recently, but that could start to change on Friday. The Fightin' Planets will head out to take on the Jaguars at 7:00 p.m. Both squads will be entering this one on the heels of a big victory.
On Friday, Mars blew past Indiana, posting a 42-7 victory. The win continues a trend for the Fightin' Planets in their matchups with the Little Indians: they've now won four in a row.
Gabe Hein
| 10/24/25 @ Indiana | 2 |
| 10/17/25 vs Hampton | 1 |
| 10/03/25 vs Knoch | 1 |
| 09/12/25 vs Aliquippa | 1 |
| 09/05/25 @ North Hills | 1 |
| 08/22/25 @ Beaver | 4 |
Mars' success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Gabe Hein led the charge by picking up 222 receiving yards and two scores. That's the most receiving touchdowns Hein has posted since back in August. The team also got some help courtesy of Ayden Yocum, who rushed for 124 yards and a pair of TDs on only 13 carries.
Meanwhile, everything came up roses for Thomas Jefferson against Laurel Highlands on Friday as the team secured a 58-7 victory. The Jaguars' offense checked out after the first half but had enough points banked to take the game anyway.
Mars better keep an eye on Tyler Eber. He was instrumental in Thomas Jefferson's win, rushing for 135 yards and three touchdowns on only 13 carries. Eber's rushing production has been exceptional as that marked his sixth straight game with at least 126 rushing yards. Emmet Forte was another key back, rushing for 66 yards and a pair of scores.
Thomas Jefferson was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 227 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 207 rushing yards in four consecutive contests.
Thomas Jefferson didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Nate Costa, Kaden Fitz, and Forte picked up one apiece. Forte got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.
Mars' win bumped their record up to 8-2. As for Thomas Jefferson, their victory bumped their record up to an identical 8-2.
Friday's matchup might be decided on the ground. Mars has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 230.8 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Thomas Jefferson struggles in that department as they've been averaging 194.8 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's game turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Mars was taken down by Thomas Jefferson 41-6 in their previous meeting back in October of 2020. That contest was all but decided by halftime, at which point the Fightin' Planets were down 34-0.
