First-round playoff capsule: Mars at Belle Vernon
Mars at Belle Vernon
Records: Mars is 6-4. Belle Vernon is 9-0
Class: 4A
Winner plays: Either third-seeded Thomas Jefferson or Trinity
Who to watch: Mars doesn’t pass much out of its Wing-T offense but when it does the Fighting Planets look for senior wide receiver Cade Hetzler, who has 22 receptions for 523 yards — nearly 24 yards per catch — and five touchdowns. … Belle Vernon lineman Blake Zubovic is a Pitt recruit.
Noteworthy: Belle Vernon was thought of as a potential No. 1 seed. By the sounds of it, some members on the WPIAL committee felt the same way before ultimately awarding it the top seed to South Fayette. The Leopards settled for the No. 2 spot. … The Leopards’ defense has been exceptional, limiting opponents to only an average of nine points per game. … Mars’ offense presents a challenge for any defense, forcing even the most aggressive units to be disciplined and stick to assignments.