Carson High’s offensive line sets up prior to a snap against Spanish Springs last Friday. Sean Finn (57), Franco Munoz (66), Diego Aldana (53), Mack Chambers (40) and the rest of the Senator line will hope to re-establish the run for Carson this Friday.
Photo by Carter Eckl.
Last Friday’s 20-0 loss at Spanish Springs left Carson High football coach Blair Roman wanting more from his squad.
A flat outing let a potentially winnable game slip into the hands of the Cougars, in part due to Senator miscues.
The road to the playoffs doesn’t lighten up for Carson, as the Senators will host Bishop Manogue (4-2, 4-1) this Friday at home.
The Miners have won three straight and bested the same Spanish Springs team, 14-6, two weeks ago.
Bishop Manogue’s defense was able to limit the Cougars to just 157 total yards in the win, meaning the Senator offense will have to get back on track if it wants to get back in the win column.
“We just have to keep pushing and grinding through,” said Roman. “It’s kind of to be expected a little bit, … after the first four games.”
Miners’ key players
Bishop Manogue has allowed just 20 points in its last three contests in wins over Reno, Spanish Springs and Galena.
The stingy Miner defense has also forced 13 turnovers in its six games, including nine fumble recoveries.
Nine different Bishop Manouge defenders have combined for 12 sacks, too.
Donoven DeRicco (No. 11) is the Miners’ leading tackler thus far with 39 tackles recorded.
However, senior linebacker Malcom McCure (No. 42) and Ryan Rutherford (No. 24) each have 33 tackles for Bishop Manogue.
Bishop Manogue will run a 3-3 defense that may give Carson some lanes to build its rushing attack.
“That’s what we’re hoping,” Roman said.
Offensively, the Miners offense has found success on the ground and through the air this season.
Starting quarterback Logan Howren (No. 18) has completed nearly 58 percent of his pass attempts this season while throwing for 10 scores with just four interceptions.
Junior QB Carson Jensen (No. 19) has taken snaps in every game this season for the Miners.
Joe Hill (No. 3) is Bishop Manogue’s leading rusher as a junior with 410 yards and five touchdowns through four games played.
“We better stop the run. They are effective with the pass because they run the ball so well,” said Roman.
Getting back on track
There won’t be any secret sauce for Carson’s offense to get back on track.
The Cougars were steadfast in holding the Senators stationary, but Roman and company will certainly say it was their own shortcomings that cost Carson last week.
“Offensively for us, it comes down to finishing drives and capitalizing opportunities,” said Roman.
Carson is now 2-3 this year and 2-2 in league play.
With two games remaining on the schedule, including this Friday, a win could go a long way to getting the Senators a home playoff game in a couple weeks.
“Based on where we were a year ago, a win this Friday gives us a chance at a home playoff game,” said Roman. “That is a great credit to these kids and coaches on the improvement we’ve had.”
If not, even more emphasis will fall on next Friday’s contest against Douglas.
Either way, the Senators will be looking to find more confidence in a season that has inspired plenty on the sideline up to this point.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday at Carson High.
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