This year's Carson High football season was one to remember for both fans and players alike.
After several years of mediocrity, the Senators won the Sierra League championship before being eliminated in the regional finals by Galena and finishing with a 9-3 record. Football suddenly became a big thing on the Saliman Road campus in 2009.
Seven seniors - quarterback Blake Plattsmier, two-way lineman Justin Barlow, outside linebacker Levi Bloxton, inside linebacker-running back Luke Carter, cornerback Josh Peacock, offensive tackle Trevor Goodale and offensive guard Will Flores - were key contributors last year and are moving on to the next level.
Plattsmier is going to College of San Mateo in Northern California. Plattsmier completed 72 of 108 passes for 1,060 yards and 12 scores. He also rushed for 544 yards and five scores, and that's what impressed CSM coaches.
"They liked the way he made plays with his feet," said coach Blair Roman. "They (San Mateo) run a spread offense, but they run a lot out of it.
"Blake needs to work on seeing the field. There were times where he read the progression correctly, he just has to be more consistent. What we asked him to do at Carson he did very well."
Barlow is headed to Chris Ault's University of Nevada program as an invited walk-on. He considered Feather River, and according to Roman, there were several Division II schools interested.
"Financially for him it (UNR) makes a of sense," Roman said. "That's a big part of it."
Barlow, who had 81 tackles a year ago, is considered a "tweener" size-wise (6-2, 245), and Roman said he'll have to put on weight if expects to get any viable playing time.
"The coaches there like his motor," Roman said. "They like how he plays so physical. He's a strong kid."
At least the first year, Barlow will get used to standing and watching, and being involved with the scout team. That's the role of a first-year college player at a bigger program. If Barlow is patient and gets bigger, he could get an opportunity by his second or third season.
Peacock is expected to sign his offer sheet from Hiram College this week. The Division III Ohio school plays in the North Coast Athletic Conference.
"This was all Josh and his dad," Roman said. "They went out and pounded the pavement trying to find a fit. They had an impressive film to send out."
Peacock, who switched from safety to cornerback this past season, had a team-leading nine interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He also finished with 43 tackles, Roman said he sees Peacock as a safety in college.
"He was a late bloomer physically," Roman said. "He went from being one of the smallest (as a freshman) to a mature athlete as a senior."
Under NCAA rules, Division III schools don't offer athletic scholarships. Instead, they offer financial packages based on academic records.
Carter, the Sierra League Defensive Player of the Year, will attend Malone University, an NAIA school, which is located in Canton, Ohio. He'll be less than 100 miles from Peacock. Carter will have the opportunity to play his home games at Fawcett Field, located adjacent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"They were really pleased with what they saw on film," Roman said. "He made play after play. He only played at 185 pounds. Big schools weren't going to recruit him.
"We probably sent out 100 films on Luke. We got quite a few hits asking if he was interested in playing. It was a matter of finding the right fit."
The Malone coaches envision Carter as a linebacker, according to Roman. Carter finished with 116 tackles and he returned an interception 34 yards. He rushed for 308 yards and added 97 yards receiving. All in all, one of the most versatile players on the team.
"I don't care where they want to play me (inside or outside)," Carter said. "I just want to get playing time."
Goodale, who played at 6-4 and 220 pounds, is headed for perennial powerhouse Butte College, a two-year community college. It's the same school that Roman played at after leaving Douglas High School. Goodale looked at College of San Mateo and a couple of other junior colleges before deciding on Butte.
"Butte liked him right away," Roman said. "He has a tremendous upside. He just turned 17. He was a young senior. I think he can get up to about 245 (or more). I'm not sure whether he would play guard or tackle. He's athletic enough and strong enough to play to both. He was a very dominant lineman for us last year."
Bloxton, who stepped into a starting role early in the season, appears headed to Waldorf College in Iowa. Bloxton had 49 tackles, two interceptions and averaged 17 yards on kickoff returns.
"I think he would play strong safety in college and contribute on special teams," Roman said. "He came to me and said he wanted to continue playing. We got a film together and sent it to D-II, D-III and NAIA schools. We got a few hits. He plays hard."
Bloxton likes to hit; likes the physical contact, which makes him an ideal safety.
Flores, an all-league offensive player a year ago, appears headed to Whitworth, a D-III school in Spokane, Wash., though Roman said nothing has been finalized.
Roman said Flores, because of his height (6-feet), could be shifted to center.
"He's really strong," Roman said. "He's very physical. He could make the transition to center."