Spring sports have arrived in Mars, and with them comes another season of high expectations for the Mars Fightin’ Planets boys lacrosse program.
Few programs in Western Pennsylvania can match Mars’ sustained success. The Fightin’ Planets have won nine consecutive WPIAL Class 2A championships from 2016 through 2025 and remain the only WPIAL program to capture a PIAA state lacrosse title, which they accomplished in 2022.
With that tradition as the backdrop, the team is now preparing for the 2026 season.
I stopped by practice several times this week with The 228 Times, speaking with Hall of Fame head coach Bob Marcoux and his staff about what fans can expect from this year’s team.
Built for Speed and Depth
Coach Marcoux said the identity of this year’s team will likely center on speed and positional versatility.
“It’s been fun to work with these guys at practice to figure out who fits each position,” Marcoux said. “Most of the guys who will start for varsity could play two or three positions on the field. That gives us a lot of flexibility.”
That versatility has become part of the program’s winning formula.
Marcoux said the senior class understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the Mars uniform.
“I think especially with the senior class they want to leave a legacy and put their stamp on what we’ve done over the last ten years,” Marcoux said. “They’ve quietly taken charge during the offseason training sessions and they’ve been extremely focused at practice.”
One of the biggest developments the coaching staff has noticed is the growth of younger players stepping into larger roles.
“We’ve got a lot of young guys that are going to have to step up,” Marcoux said. “It’s going to be fun to watch them grow.”
Assistant coach Matt Grus pointed to several defensive players who have made significant strides.
“Carter Yokum started for us as a freshman last year,” Grus said. “Now as a sophomore he’s arguably one of the top defenders in the WPIAL. Noah Lamping has worked incredibly hard and has become a leader on the team. And Isaiah Dennis is stepping into a much bigger role for us defensively.”
Although the team has not yet named captains, Marcoux said leadership has already emerged.
“All of our seniors have stepped up,” Marcoux said. “We don’t limit leadership to captains. Some of the biggest leaders we’ve had in the past weren’t captains — they just stepped up in big moments.”
Assistant coach Will Scurci, a former Mars player, also sees strong team chemistry developing.
“I’m excited about the depth of this team and the opportunities it gives more players to contribute,” said Scurci.
Lessons from Last Season
For all of Mars’ success, last season offered a clear reminder that championships require more than talent.
Injuries late in the season took a toll on the team during the state playoffs.
Marcoux explained that staying healthy has become a major focus this year.
“Last season we had multiple players injured or playing through injuries toward the end of the year,” Marcoux said. “This year we’re emphasizing nutrition, rest and recovery.”
The coaching staff has adjusted practices to reduce injury risk while maintaining intensity.
“We’ll go hard for eight minutes and then build recovery into the practice,” Marcoux said. “We’re limiting unnecessary contact drills but maintaining full speed. Slow practices actually tire players out more.”
Assistant coach Stephen Latona said another key emphasis this offseason was speed.
“A big difference I’m seeing from this year’s team is speed, especially in the middle of the field,” Latona said. “We focused heavily on getting faster in the offseason.”
One player expected to make a major impact is Chase Lamm, who returns healthy after battling injuries last season.
“A healthy Chase Lamm is a huge plus for us,” assistant coach Kyle Savage said. “He’s a speed demon. He covers ground incredibly fast.”
Latona added that the team’s versatility will also help keep players fresh.
“Our depth will allow us to rotate players and avoid overworking guys late in games,” he said.
Assistant Perspectives
Mars’ coaching staff brings both experience and continuity to the program.
Assistant coaches Matt Grus, Stephen Latona, Kyle Savage, and Will Scurci help maintain the high tempo that defines Mars practices.
Grus said the defense returns several key contributors.
“Mike Duffy and Carter Yokum give us aggressive defenders,” Grus said. “And Chase Lamm brings a ton of athleticism. Even our short-stick defensive midfielders like Isaiah Dennis and Noah Lamping are reading plays quickly and attacking the ball.”
Latona believes the program’s focus on smarter training could pay dividends later in the season.
“Hopefully we’re playing 24 games this year and going all the way,” Latona said. “It’s a long season, and we want to make sure our players are healthy when the playoffs arrive.”
Former Mars player Will Scurci said returning to coach his alma mater has been rewarding.
“When I first joined the staff, the players welcomed me right away,” Scurci said. “Having played here helps me relate to what they’re going through.”
He credits the Mars youth lacrosse program for helping sustain the program’s success.
“Our youth program keeps producing players ready for the varsity level,” Scurci said. “And this senior group is very focused on what they can control.”
Savage said the team’s mindset remains rooted in unity.
“We always emphasize ‘we, not me,’” Savage said. “On defense we operate as one unit with the same goal — winning that championship.”
Players to Watch
Several seniors are expected to lead Mars this season, including Grant Weaver, Mike Duffy, Josh Wilburn and Jack Tirch.
Latona said Wilburn could be one of the most important pieces of the lineup.
“Josh Wilburn gives us the faceoff advantage,” Latona said. “If we control the faceoff, we control the game.”
Savage said Weaver’s versatility makes him one of the team’s most valuable players.
“Grant Weaver stirs the drink for us,” Savage said. “He can facilitate, score, defend — whatever we need.”
Tirch is expected to anchor part of the offense.
“Jack Tirch is an incredible shooter,” Savage said. “He’s a finisher.”
Several juniors could also play key roles, including Wyatt Wilson, Isaiah Dennis, Blake Cote and Reed Fuller.
“Wyatt Wilson is stepping right into a defensive anchor role,” Grus said.
Younger players could also make an impact.
“Sophomore Carter Yokum is elite at getting the ball away,” Grus said. “And freshman Nate Caldwell has the size and skill to contribute right away.”
A Program Built on Tradition
Mars players understand the expectations that come with the program’s success.
Savage said the current seniors experienced the program’s biggest moments as younger players.
“They saw what it takes to get to the state championship,” Savage said. “They experienced playing with the 2023 and 2024’s where we had a big guy like Enzo Grieco clearing out shooting space and big impact midfielders like Dylan Phillips and Ryan Blake. Now they’re the ones driving that culture, driving that impact.”
That mindset reflects a philosophy shared across the program.
In my conversation with Savage, I summed it up with a familiar quote from legendary hockey coach Herb Brooks:
“The name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back.”
“At Mars,” Savage said. “That belief is more than a slogan — it’s the foundation of the program.”
With a deep roster, strong leadership and a tradition of winning, the Fightin’ Planets appear ready to make another run at a WPIAL and state title.
Other Mars Sports News
Mars Area High School also made coaching news earlier this month.
The Mars School Board voted 7–2 on March 3 to hire Zachary Benedek as the school’s new head football coach.
Benedek previously served as passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Mt. Lebanon High School. He also coached at PennWest Clarion, where he played quarterback and served as team captain.
He replaces Eric Kasperowicz, who stepped down after compiling a 30–17 record in four seasons while leading Mars to consistent playoff appearances.
At the same meeting, the board unanimously approved Joe Haefner as the new boys’ soccer head coach. A former Mars goalkeeper and assistant coach, Haefner replaces longtime coach Chris Knauff, who retired after a remarkable 301-77-23 record, three WPIAL titles and one PIAA championship.