Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal
It's a rare sight to see Justin Barlow standing on the sidelines during a Carson High football game, and when that happens he's not happy about it.
You see, Barlow is a throwback. He plays defensive tackle, offensive guard and will even sneak in for some special teams work. If you asked him, he might even volunteer to sell popcorn at the concession stand during halftime.
"If he could, he would never come off the field," Carson coach Blair Roman said. "He'd be on every special team if I let him.
"Ever since the Reed game last year, he's been a two-way starter for us. He's pretty much used to it. I think Justin has learned how to conserve energy between plays."
And, the 6-foot-1 240-pound Barlow, who leads Carson (1-0) into tonight's home game against the McQueen Lancers (0-1) wouldn't have it any other way.
"I love playing both ways," Barlow said. "That's like playing two games in one. That's how it's been since I was little.
"The first few games you get tired (at times), but by the time league rolls around I never really get tired."
Originally, Roman was hoping Zach Hudacko and/or Steven Carrera would step up and play well enough to start on offense, which would allow Barlow to focus mostly on defense. Unfortunately that didn't happen, and Barlow is back carrying the load on both sides of the ball, which he was happy about.
It's a testament to his work ethic that Barlow is able to go hard and long on both offense and defense.
"He's the most intense guy I know," said center Danny Gall, who plays alongside Barlow on the offensive line. "He works harder than everybody. He's always making everybody else better."
"He's our leader," Roman said echoing Gall's thoughts. "He's very vocal. Kids rally around him."
Barlow likes to mix it up; loves the body contact that comes with playing in the interior lines.
Unofficially, Barlow racked up seven tackles last week in the 24-7 win over Spanish Springs. If there was a running play between the tackles, Barlow was always near the ball. Simply put, he created havoc the entire game.
"He has an unbelievable motor," Roman said. "You talk to any coach in the league, and they will tell you that he's a guy that stands out. He goes hard to the ball every play and he makes something happen."
Offensively, Barlow helped spring Mark Sinnott on his 67-yard TD run and he also made a nice block when Luke Carter took a shovel pass from Blake Plattsmier for the Senators' final score against Spanish Springs last week.
Roman said that Barlow fits well into the Senators' offensive scheme because of his physical and mental skills.
"We pull almost every play; trap and pull," Roman said. "Justin is very athletic and a prototypical guard for this kind of offense."
Pulling gives Barlow an opportunity to do what he likes the most - delivering a punishing blow.
"I love to get that big hit that breaks the runner for a touchdown," Barlow said. "Last year at Wooster, Jake Madden carried the ball. I pulled out and their big linebacker was filling hard. I de-cleated him; took him right off the ground. Those are the hits I love."
Barlow would like nothing more than to play at the next level, whether it be at a junior college or a smaller four-year college.
Roman said that Barlow's best opportunity to play at the next level is on the defensive side of the ball.
"He's undersized to play (tackle or nose guard) in (Division I) college," Roman said. It remains to be seen if he could play defensive end at the next level.
"He's a typical example of a really good high school player who is a tweener. He reminds me of Garrett McIntyre (South Tahoe, who later starred at Fresno State). The bigger schools aren't going to be interested. You never know what will happen with the (smaller) colleges and walk-on opportunities."