The Carson Senator Midgets Pop Warner football team finished the season in third place after a 19-13 win over the Reno Wolf Pack.
It was Carson's first playoff game in the division in seven years. Carson scored with less than two minutes left to pull out the win in the rain, sleet, hail and wind. The Senators were playing without head coach Louie Trio.
The first quarter was scoreless as Carson's defense was led by Justin Shinn, Frisco Merrill and Tim Peters. Carson held Reno to 14 total yards in the first quarter.
"Total difference between this game and the Douglas game where the boys were allowed to play football," said coach Les Reddick about Carson's previous game against Douglas. "They have done an outstanding job all year long with definite improvements week after week."
Daniel Cunningham, Vince Scognamiglio and Travis Lamborn also played well defensively.
Quarterback Spencer Van Dyck led the offense and Lamborn ran well in the first half. Van Dyck executed a beautiful fake to Chris McBroom and completed a 35-yard pass to Johnny Kim. McBroom also rushed for more than 30 yards in the first half.
Offensive linemen Tyson Curren, Rob Valerius, Blake Anderson, Shinn and Donivan Dean paved the way.
Reno led 13-12 at halftime even though the Wolf Pack had only 62 yards rushing while the Senators only had 53 yards rushing.
"We have been her before, this is what you have worked all year for," coach Reddick told the team at halftime. "Coach Trio has taught you everything. It is up to you now to do what you do best."
Wes Reddick, Rich Norgrove and Scott Pierce led the defense in the second half. With less than two minutes left, Van Dyck lateraled to Mike McBroom, who threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Chris McBroom.
Pierce then intercepted a pass with 23 seconds left to seal the win. The win avenged a loss to the Wolf Pack earlier in the year.
"They did an outstanding job and deserved the win," coach Butch Roberts said.