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Fox Chapel is still on the outside looking in for a playoff spot, but without Friday’s 30-28 win at Mars, the Foxes wouldn’t have the ability to be looking in.

With its second straight section win, Fox Chapel is now tied with Shaler and Kiski Area for fourth place in the section. Mars slips to third place with a 3-2 record.

The Foxes jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 4-yard touchdown pass from senior Shane Susnak to senior Warner Macklin. Senior Zakaria Essaouab made his first of three extra points.

Mars quickly took the lead in the second quarter off the legs of its workhorse running back, Teddy Ruffner, Ruffner score from 10 and 2 yards, respectively, for a 14-7 Fightin’ Planets lead.

Fox Chapel responded with 10 unanswered points to take a 17-14 halftime lead. Susnak delivered his second touchdown pass of the half, a 2-yard score to sophomore Lorenzo Jenkins. Essaouab added a 29-yard field goal to give the Foxes the lead.

The see-saw affair continued in the third quarter, as Mars regained the lead, 21-17 on a 25-yard run by Nick Spotti.

With their season on the line, the Foxes took control in the fourth quarter.

Susnak threw his third touchdown pass of the game, a 59-yard strike to sophomore Khi’Lee Patterson. The connection proved to be the game-winning score.

Senior Alex Wecht provided the necessary insurance with a 32-yard touchdown run, giving Fox Chapel a 30-21 lead.

Mars added a late touchdown but couldn’t overcome the two possession deficit.

Susnak led Fox Chapel’s offense with 21-of-29 passing for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Patterson hauled in four receptions for 121 yards and a score.

Fox Chapel will look to ride the momentum to its third straight win on Friday when they host Armstrong at 7 p.m.