Darrell Moody: Carson’s season in review

I can never figure out why we have to wait to wait for the entire season to be over before we can release the all-league and all-Division I selections to the public.

Are the coaches afraid that a player will be ticked that he got left off one of those teams and not perform well? If anything, I think a kid might be ticked off and play better just to prove a point.

In my opinion, and others in the area share my view, the all-league team should be released the day after the coaches meet. I’m OK with waiting until after state for the regional team to be named. I was glad to see the regional list slimmed down. To me, it was an honor to make this year’s regional squad.

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With that in mind, I thought that putting Aaron Cowee on all-Sierra second team was a joke. He is, without question, the best offensive tackle in the league, and maybe even the area. I can see him not making the regional team because he missed 2 1/2 games against High Desert teams, and those coaches obviously vote for all-regional, or all-Northern Division I if you will. Cowee only missed one Sierra League game (Damonte Ranch), and that shouldn’t have disqualified him from a first-team selection. Was there a reason why three tackles weren’t selected in this instance? I mean through the seven years I’ve covered Carson, I see numerous names at one position all the time. I mean the High Desert took four wide receivers this year. Granted all four were first-team worthy given their stats, and in this instance I think Cowee stacked up equally with Douglas’ Zach Kinder and Devin McAndrews.

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Cowee, despite the high ankle sprain, is getting some interest from four-year schools (D-1, Div. I-AA and Division II). Where he ends up is anybody’s guess. With his football IQ, quickness and footwork, he can be a good guard or center at the next level. As an automatic qualifer, he could always choose to go the JC route and hopefully hook up with a four-year school after one JC season.

The other Senator who will have the opportunity to play at the next level is running back Nevin Elliott. The running back has visited both Colorado State-Pueblo and Sacramento State recently. If neither of those work out, I’m sure he would be welcome at any JC.

There are places to play all over the country if you are willing to relocate for the right opportunity.

When I make that statement I think immediately of Josh Peacock, who played four years of football at Hiram College in Ohio. Don’t forget Will Flores, Justin Barlow, Blake Plattsmier, Trevor Goodale and Jon Parker, all of whom have reached and played at the four-year level.

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I’ve got a few awards of my own to hand out from the Carson football season.

MVP: I selected Thurman because of all he did for the Senators. Not only was he a standout running back and kick returner, he also showed he could play some defense. He also went 4-for-4 passing for 128 yards, as he was adept at throwing the halfback option pass or throwing out of punt formation. Pound for pound, he was one tough customer.

Offensive Player of the Year: This one isn’t a difficult choice. Elliott rushed for more than 1,000 yards and had 14 touchdowns, including several games of 100 yards or more. He punished would-be tacklers often during the season.

Defensive Player of the Year: I’m going with Cody Cunningham, who led the team in tackles, and solidified the middle linebacker spot midway through the year.

Lineman of the Year: I’m going with Cowee and Cooper. They were stellar and provided good leadership on the offensive front.

Comeback Player of the Year: Aaron Perez was a starter last year when he up and quit the team. He came back this year and was a second-team all-league selection. His interception against Douglas enabled Carson to go unbeaten in the Sierra League.

Newcomer of the Year: I’m going with Alan Cohen, who led the team in receptions in his first year of football since his freshman season. Of his 29 catches, six went for touchdowns.

Special Teams Player of the Year: Hands down this is Carter, a sophomore, who seemed like he was in on every tackle on special teams. He had a stellar year, covering kicks and playing defensive backs. It’s not often that sophomores make regional teams, but I truly believe that Carter can be a next-level player if he keeps his nose to the grindstone and doesn’t get a big head. He needs to stay hungry and humble.

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This was one of the most enjoyable seasons to cover football at Carson because of the players on the team.

It was truly a group of unselfish guys, and those kind of guys are fun to cover.

So CHS players of 2013, I salute each and every one of you, and thanks for the memories.