Roman named region's top grid coach

Carson High's football turnaround was the biggest story in Northern Nevada football in 2009.

The Senators went from 3-7 to 9-3 and won the Sierra League championship under second-year head coach Blair Roman, who was named the Sierra League Coach of the Year and the 4A Region Coach of the Year for his efforts.

"It's a great honor," Roman said. "I think the biggest thing I can say is that a lot of the credit goes to my assistant coaches who did a tremendous job.

"The players performed real well. I'm proud of the fact that we played up to our potential most of the time."

Carson seniors Justin Barlow and Luke Carter also racked up individual honors.

Barlow was Co-Lineman of the Year with Reed's Kyle Roberts and Sierra League Lineman of the Year. Barlow was a first-team selection on both sides of the ball.

Carter was co-Defensive Player of the Year for the region as well as Sierra League Defensive Player of the Year. Carter had one interception, receovered a fumble, forced a fumble and broke up two passes while making critical stop after critical stop for the Senators.

Douglas' Johnny Pollack was named the Regional Player of the Year as well as the Sierra League Player of the Year.

Running back Dylan Sawyers, who rushed for 954 yards and had 285 receiving yards, was the co-Sierra League Offensive Player of the Year with Galena's Garrett Shutt and also a first-team region pick. Tight end Tyler Collins, who caught just two passes but did a great job blocking, was a regional choice and shared all-league honors with South Tahoe's Garrett Tinlin. Trevor Goodale, Carson's outstanding left tackle, also earned first team region and all-Sierra honors.

Josh Peacock, who intercepted nine passes, made first team all-league and all-region. Ryan Hoskins and Taylor Silva were first-team all-Sierra selections at defensive tackle and defensive end, respectively. The duo claimed second-team region honors.

Guard Will Flores, quarterback Blake Plattsmier, wide receiver/kicker Ean Witter, running back Mark Sinnott, linebacker Levi Bloxton, linebacker Junior Valladares and linebacker Connor Beattie all received second-team all-Sierra honors.

Roman was especially disappointed that Plattsmier didn't get first team. The senior QB accounted for 1,500 yards total offense and 18 scores. It wasn't enough, however to beat out Galena's Beau Bickel.

"It was a tough call," Roman said. "The kid that beat him (Bickel) is a heck of a player."

Witter had a nice season with 104 points and 553 yards receiving. Sinnott rushed for 643 yards and 13 scores.

Valladares recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned for a score in the 54-27 win over Reed. Bloxton intercepted two passes and had one fumble recovery, while Beattie intercepted two passes down the stretch.