DAMONTE RANCH (3-5) AT CARSON (8-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Offense: The Mustangs, who lost to Carson earlier this year, come into the game averaging 28 points a contest. The Mustangs' biggest weapon is quarterback Drew Smith who has passed for 852 yards and seven scores, and run for 920 yards. Smith can be elusive, and he hurt the Senators quite a bit in the first meeting. His favorite targets are Jordan Waller (16-279-1) and Matt Anderson (22-386-6). The top running back is Jeff Jurgensmeier (141-694-8). Carson enters the game with an eight-game winning streak and averaging 40 points a game. A healthy Dylan Sawyers ran for 328 yards and five scores against Reno, and he has 1,058 yards and 18 rushing scores plus 13 catches for 181 yards and two scores. Chance Quilling averages 7.4 per carry with four scores and has 17 catches for 222 yards and a score. Brock Pradere has 28 catches for 556 yards and four scores, and Matt Nolan has completed 71 percent of his passes for 1,070 yards and seven scores while chalking up 219 yards and a score rushing.
Advantage: Carson
Defense: The Mustangs give up more than 30 points a game, and their quick front seven held their own against Carson, which played without Sawyers when the teams met. Linebacker Zach Ewert, defensive back Jonah Chalk, defensive back Carl Long and linebacker Tyrell Smith are the top defenders. It will be interesting to see if the Mustangs can corral Sawyers. Linebacker/defensive end Logan Peternell has 98 tackles this year, while Patrick Hesse has 97, Chance Quilling 65, Austin Pacheco 63 and Patrick Cooke 58. Carson's defense played three solid quarters against the Mustangs last time around, but it's imperative that they play a full four quarters, AND be able to get off the field on third downs. Quilling has moved to outside linebacker and Sage Smith is slated to start at inside linebacker. The Senators must wrap up and take better angles on Friday.
Advantage: Carson
Special teams: Austin Pacheco had several touchbacks last week, but missed his only field-goal attempt. He only had to punt once. Kick coverage will be important, as the Senators don't want to give Smith & Co. much field position to work with.
Advantage: Carson
Prediction: Damonte held a 14-13 lead after three quarters before Carson scored 15 unanswered points to take a two-score lead. Carson was without Dylan Sawyers last time, and that makes a huge difference.
Carson 34, Damonte 17