There's no denying the importance of tonight's Sierra League football game between Carson High and Hug.
The winner of the 7:30 p.m. game could be well on its way to a spot in the Northern 4A playoffs while the loser could be on the outside looking in. A look at Carson's schedule shows how important this game could be for the Senators.
On paper, Carson (1-3, 0-1) will likely be the underdogs against Reno High and North Valleys with a loss already against Douglas. On paper, Carson will also likely be favored against Damonte Ranch, Wooster and South Tahoe.
So based on paper, which is worth - well, paper - tonight's game could be the difference between Carson making the playoffs or not.
"This is a huge game without a doubt," Carson coach Shane Quilling said. "It's a must win if you want to get back to the playoffs."
Carson is coming off a 19-12 loss against the Tigers in which Quilling said again mistakes at critical times hurt his team. Quilling also said about Hug if his team "eliminates our mistakes we'll play with them. It we just eliminate a few mistakes we'll play with anybody."
A highlight so far this year has been the play of the defense, which Quilling said has exceeeded expectations.
"The defense has played well enough for us to be 3-1," he said. "The defense has played better than I thought they would."
Hug has struggled after advanced to the NIAA 4A state title game last year as it is 0-4, 0-1 in league. But Quilling knows the Hawks will still be athletic and will have speed, which always concerns the Carson coach. He said Hug is "just as good or better than us in a few areas" as far as athleticism.
Quilling also said he has a great deal of respect for Hug coach Rollins Stallworth. "They're hungry for a victory just like us," Quilling said. "Coach Stallworth is going to have them ready to play."
But Quilling also said his team should have an excellent chance to pick up Carson's first win against Hug since 1998.
Senator quarterback Mitch Hammond continues to come along, going 11-for-16 for 100 yards against Douglas.
"He did a lot of great things," Quilling said. "He threw the ball well. He made some great throws.
"He's still learning. He's going to be a reall good quarterback. He put us in position to win the game."
Quilling said one area that needs to improve is the receivers' blocking. "Our receivers didn't block well," he said. "Hopefully we've taken care of that this week."
Carson again will rely heavily on running back/linebacker Travis Lamborn, who's averaging more than six yards a carry. The Senators are without two of their other top running backs, Kyle Banko and Robbie Bozin. Banko is out for the season with a knee injury and Bozin is out for at least three weeks with a high ankle sprain.
The Senators have been hurt without Banko and Bozin in all three areas of the game - offense, defense and special teams - but Quilling said his team has to move on. "Hey, everybody has injuries," Quilling said.
Besides Banko and Bozin, the Senators don't have any other major injuries. "Injury-wise we're pretty good," Quilling said..
Other standouts for Carson have been lineman Jamie Greene. "He's been great on both sides of the ball," Quilling said.
Quilling also said Caleb Gradert has played well on the offensive line and that Daniel Faiella has played well on the defensive line. He also praised the play of Ryan Eichenberger, Wes Reddick, Tony Roberts and Richie Norgrove in the secondary.
Notes: Last week's players of the week were Stephen Sawyers on special teams, Hammond on offense and Norgrove on defense.