For Carson High’s Andreas, end game is staying healthy

You can’t blame Nick Andreas for feeling a little snake bit. The Carson High senior has battled injuries much of his football career.

After a healthy freshman season, the 6-1 190-pound senior defensive end ran into problems his sophomore year.

He broke a bone in his hand on a blocking bag, forcing him to miss a game or two at the start of his JV season. Later on, he tore his labrum. Needless to say his season was done.

Last season, he suffered a concussion on the first day of summer camp, and then rib and back injuries at the start of the season which caused him to miss several games. He registered five tackles in spot duty at defensive tackle.

This year, knock on wood, Andreas has been injury free.

“This is the first year I’ve made it through training camp,” Andreas said as he prepared for Friday’s showdown at Carson against five-time defending regional champion Reed.

“He has persevered,” CHS head coach Blair Roman said. “I give him credit. It had to be frustrating to be out that much.”

Andreas is one of Carson’s most athletic players. He plays with high energy, and he’s had to learn how to channel it playing in space in Carson’s 4-4 defense.

When you think defensive end, you think rushing the passer. This isn’t the NFL or a high-powered college program where they run a 4-3 and the defensive ends’ main responsibility is to rack up sacks. In high school, rushing the passer is only a minor part of the job in Carson’s scheme. The biggest job is setting the edge and pinching the play inside. It’s run first and pass rush second.

“Nick is a high motor kid,” said Steve Dilley, Carson’s defensive coordinator. “We have to channel his high energy to be disciplined in what we do. It’s a balancing act.

“Nick is a tough kid. He’s not afraid to hit or get hit, but he has to be more disciplined, especially against an option team like Reed. He is great off the ball which is why we move him inside often times on passing situations. He is so fast, he can give offensive guards problems.”

Desert Mountain was made to order for Andreas. The Wolves threw the ball 52 times, meaning Andreas’ main job was to get to the quarterback. He didn’t have a sack, but had a hurry and two tackles.

Roman said Andreas is literally learning how to do his job on every play.

“I have a tendency to get too far up the field,” Andreas admitted. “Sometimes I’m 4 or 5 yards upfield, and that’s too much. Last year I was at defensive tackle and getting off fast was the only way I could be effective playing against a 250-pound lineman. It was the only way I could move him. I use a two-point stance so I have more control of where I’m going.

“This week, I have to set the edge and squeeze things inside. I’ll be watching the tight end and tackle. I know if they stand straight up it’s going to be a pass. I have to read the keys on the snap. It’s a little easier to prepare mentally because Reed doesn’t run as many (weird) formations. They are a good team, though, and they execute well.”

Andreas and his teammates hope to make things difficult for the Raiders.