Approximately 75 prospective varsity and junior varsity players participated in the second day of spring football practice under the watchful eye of head coach Blair Roman and his coaching staff Tuesday afternoon.
It's the second time that Carson players have been on the field since losing to Galena in the regional playoffs last November. Carson won the Sierra League title last year, but won't have a chance to defend its crown because of the recent NIAA realignment which has put all 4A teams in one league.
Roman himself wasn't as active as he normally is. He underwent knee surgery and is still on crutches. In fact, he spent part of the practice session sitting in a chair with his leg propped up watching the offensive line drills.
Carson lost several key players from last year's team - quarterback Blake Plattsmier, linebacker Levi Bloxton, linebacker Luke Carter, offensive lineman Trevor Goodale, offensive lineman Will Flores, linebacker Junior Valldares, defensive end Taylor Silva, defensive back Josh Peacock, defensive lineman Justin Barlow, running back Mark Sinnott, wide receiver Ean Witter and defensive lineman Ryan Hoskins.
"We lost a lot of good seniors," Roman said. "Most high schools lose a good amount of seniors every year. It's up to the next class coming on to step up.
"Part of spring practice is about finding out what players are going to fill what holes for us."
Carson lost three of its offensive linemen, returning just Danny Gall at center and Matt Cooper at guard/tackle. Quarterback is expected to be a two-way battle between Trey Jensen, last year's back-up to Plattsmier, and JV starter Chance Quilling.
"I'm pleased with both of them," Roman said. "Time will tell. It's a long time before we have to make a decision.
"Our offense is tough to learn. You have to 'rep' it up."
The six days that Carson will practice during the next two weeks also is about teaching the basics.
"We're concentrating primarily on defensive fundamentals and throwing the football," Roman said. "All the work we do in the summer is when we put it all together. We're tying to build a foundation out here."