Carson-Douglas Prediction Box

Carson (4-0, 3-0) at Douglas (1-3, 1-2)

Today, 7 p.m.

OFFENSE

You have to start with junor sensation Dylan Sawyers, who is averaging more than 11 yards per carry thus far and has 11 scores. He also leads the team in receiving with 13 catches for 170 yards and a score. Carson is averaging more than 320 yards on the ground and almost 450 overall per game. Look for Connor Beattie to have a good night if Douglas pays too much attention to Sawyers. QB Trey Jensen has been solid under center. Douglas may or may not have QB Zack Williams back, but Sam Cochran has played pretty well since taking the starting job. Ryan Ake hs done well in filling the shoes of the graduated Johnny Pollack.

Advantage: Carson

DEFENSE

Carson has the statistical edge, allowing only 15 points a game compared to more than 20 for Douglas. The Tigers, however, have played a much tougher schedule (Reed, McQueen and Manogue). The Senators are a plus-8 in the turnover ratio. Sawyers has three interceptions. Jon Parker. Bryce Altus and Tyler Collins have been steady on defense. Zach Falanga and Trevor Hemseth are tough in the interior line for the Tigers.

Advantage: Carson

SPECIAL TEAMS

Austin Pacheco had three touchbacks last week, and that's key. He also made his only field goal attempt. We'll see if Douglas kicks off to Sawyers, squibs it, kicks to the other deep guy or just kicks it out of bounds like several teams did last year. Sawyers also is returning punts this year. Nate VonAhsen is a proven kicker and Ake and Nick Maestretti each have a return for a score.

Advantage: Even

PREDICTION: Douglas has been hit hard by injuries this year, and Carson has remained injury free for the most part. Carson would love to make it two straight over their arch-rivals.

Score: Carson 30, Douglas 23