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Mars Today
By the People, for the People
Mars Area (Pa.) Hires 25-Year-Old as Football Coach
Zachary Benedek takes over the Fightin' Planets program after previous coach's departure.
Mar. 4, 2026 at 3:40pm
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The Mars Area School District in Pennsylvania has hired 25-year-old Zachary Benedek as the new head football coach of the Fightin' Planets. Benedek was approved in a 7-2 board vote, making him one of the youngest head coaches in the competitive WPIAL league. He replaces Eric Kasperowicz, who left to take the head coaching job at his alma mater North Hills High School.
Why it matters
The hiring of such a young coach is noteworthy, as it reflects the growing trend of schools entrusting their football programs to up-and-coming leaders. Benedek's appointment also comes at a pivotal time for the Mars Area program, which is looking to build on an 8-3 season and a No. 46 state ranking in 2025.
The details
Benedek has held various coaching positions since his college playing days at Saint Francis University and PennWest Clarion University, most recently serving as the passing game coordinator and quarterback coach at Mt. Lebanon High School. He takes over a Mars Area team that went 8-3 last season and finished as the state's No. 46 ranked team.
- On March 4, 2026, the Mars Area School District announced Benedek's hiring as the new head football coach.
- Benedek replaces Eric Kasperowicz, who accepted the head coaching job at North Hills High School during the offseason.
The players
Zachary Benedek
A 25-year-old who was hired as the new head football coach of the Mars Area Fightin' Planets.
Eric Kasperowicz
The previous head coach of the Mars Area football team, who accepted the head coaching job at his alma mater North Hills High School during the offseason.
Mars Area High School
The high school located in Mars, Pennsylvania that fields the Fightin' Planets football team.
What they’re saying
“Congrats to @CoachBenedek for being named the new Mars Football Head Coach. Please join us in welcoming him to our team!”
— Mars Area HS Football (PA)
The takeaway
The hiring of the 25-year-old Zachary Benedek as the new head football coach of the Mars Area Fightin' Planets reflects the growing trend of schools entrusting their programs to young, up-and-coming leaders. Benedek faces the challenge of building on the team's recent success and continuing to develop the program.
