Staff Reports
Led by Robbie Bozin's 146 yards on 24 carries, the Carson Pop Warner Midgets defeated arch rival Douglas 20-0 last Friday night at Stodick Park in Gardnerville. It was the Carson team's first game of the season, while the Tigers are now 1-1, having defeated Truckee last week 14 -6.
"I thought the kids played really well for their first game of the season," said Carson head coach Mark Rutledge. "We made some mistakes, but overall, we played with enthusiasm and we were focused. This could be a good team if keep working hard."
Carson led 6Ð0 at halftime due to a Bozin 4-yard run. The offense controlled the ball for most of the third quarter, with Bozin scoring another touchdown and kicking the extra point. He then capped off the scoring with a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Bozin and his teammates Jeff Butler, Pat Riggs, and Matt Rutledge combined for nearly 200 yards rushing against the Tigers. Riggs completed 3 of his 8 passing attempts to Matt Rutledge, Blake Davidson, and Tyler Smith for a total of 30 yards.
The bright spot of the evening was the tenacious Carson defense, allowing Douglas only one first down and causing three turnovers.
"Our defense did a great job pursuing to the ball and gang tackling," commented Carson defensive coordinator Ed Smith. Mason Bondi and Daniel Draper received "Best Tackle" of the game honors.
The Carson Midgets have their home opener against the South Tahoe Vikings at Governor's Field at 8 p.m. tonight.