PREVIEW BOX: Damonte Ranch at Carson

DAMONTE RANCH (0-5, 0-4) AT CARSON (5-0, 4-0)

Today, 7:30 p.m.

OFFENSE

QB Max Heckendorn leads the Mustangs' offense, and Carson coach Blair Roman said he has can make plays with his arm and feet. Heckendorn accounts for 215 yards per game. Jade French at running back is the other threat. Carson's offense has been going great guns thanks to the running of Dylan Sawyers, who is almost at the 1,000-yard mark. At QB, Trey Jensen usually completes more than 50 percent of his passes which takes some pressure off Sawyers.

Advantage: Carson

DEFENSE

This is Damonte's weak spot. The Mustangs have given up 230 points in its last four games, including 61 to North Valleys last week. Tony Little and Dom Austria are Damonte's leading tacklers. Carson got pushed around quite a bit last week, but should get healthy against Damonte Ranch. As of Tuesday, Austin Pacheco was scheduled to start at middle linebacker. Carson's needs to get a more consistent pass rush, and just be more consistent from play to play.

Advantage: Carson

SPECIAL TEAMS

Tough for anybody to beat Carson in this category, largely because of Pacheco, who has great field goal range and is capable of kicking off into the end zone. Twice this year, he's pinned opponents inside the 5-yard line.

Advantage: Carson

PREDICTION: Sawyers, who has been bothered by a hip flexor, will be a game-time decision. If he doesn't play, Carson should be able to win, though it might be a more competitive game. CARSON 35, DAMONTE 14