Midgets defeat the Reno Bulldogs

The Carson Midget Pop Warner football team finished the regular season with a 19-0 victory over the Reno Bulldogs last Friday, bringing its record to 5-1 for the year.

"Defensively, the Bulldogs were one of the toughest teams we faced this year," Carson coach Mark Rutledge said. "They had some good athletes. I thought they were a much better team than their record indicates."

The Carson defense was stingy as usual, allowing the Bulldog offense only 50 yards. Matt Rutledge, Robbie Bozin, and Spud Jacobsen came up with interceptions, while Matt McDaniel recovered a fumble. Steve Carranza, Chad Plattsmier, Daniel Draper, Nate Reno, and Owen Craugh set the tone for the defense with strong performances. This was the fifth shutout in six games for Carson.

Offensively, Bozin turned in his fifth 100 yard-plus rushing performance of the year with 119 yards on 22 carries. He finished the season with 789 yards on 103 carries for an average of almost 8 yards per carry.

"I thought Robbie was the most dominant running back in the league this year," Rutledge said. "He always ran hard and with determination."

Another 51 yards rushing were added by Rutledge, Jeff Butler, Reno, Draper, and Mason Bondi. Quarterback Pat Riggs had 1 pass completion for 10 yards.

"We had a great regular season. The kids played hard and with enthusiasm. They were also good sportsmen. It's a team that Carson City can be proud of," Rutledge said.

The Carson Midgets head into conference championship tournament play as the No. 2 seed begin play against Truckee at Governor's Field at 8 p.m. Friday. The tournament culminates in the Snow Bowl championship game held in Reno on Saturday, Nov. 13.

Note: The Carson Midget cheer team also had a successful outing last weekend. The 15 member team performed at the Sagebrush Empire Pop Warner Cheerleading competition and will now advance to the Pacific Northwest Regional competition which will be held on Nov. 26 at Lawlor Events Center. The Carson Midget cheer squad is led by head coach Cathy Priess and assistant coaches Courtney and Candice Priess.