Carson (1-1, 1-0) at Hug (0-4, 0-2)
7 p.m. Friday
OFFENSE: The Hawks have been so decimated by injuries that they canceled the JV season and brought players up to the varsity to give that squad some depth. QBs Jawon Bennett and Andrew Johnson suffered early injuries, leaving the Hawks for a while to a No. 3 quarterback. The Hawks have scored just 6 points in four contests. Lonnie Jackson-Phillips scored twice in a game against Spanish Springs and also broke a long gainer for 60 yards. He can score from anywhere on the field. Carson is coming off a 45-0 demolition of North Valleys, which saw Dylan Sawyers score six times and rush for 204 yards as well as catch four passes for 69 more yards. Matt Nolan had one o the most productive games for a quarterback in Blair Roman's three-year tenure. Chance Quilling will miss the game, and Cole Dufresne will start at H-back with Logan Krupp and Patrick Hesse in reserve. A key will be how well an inexperienced front line will play. Can they put together two good games in a row?
Edge: Carson
DEFENSE: A huge problem area for the Hawks, who have allowed nearly 50 points a contest, including 65 against top-ranked Reed last week. Roman is impressed with Phillips-Jackson who plays defensive back. Carson's defense gave up some big plays last week against NV, but still kept the Panthers out of the end zone the entire game. Linebacker Chance Quilling is expected to miss the game with a sore knee, and his defensive spot will be split by Sage Smith and Nico Garcia. Carson played well against the run, and it must keep Hug from big plays, especially on the ground where the Hawks are the most dangerous.
Edge: Carson
SPECIAL TEAMS: When Austin Pacheco is healthy, Carson will always have the advantage over its opponent. If Pacheco can keep kicking for touchbacks, it will be hard for the Hawks to drive 80 yards on the Senators
Edge: Carson
PREDICTION: Hopefully the Senators don't take this game too lightly. They need to be businesslike in their approach and put the Hawks away early. Let an inferior team hang around too long and bad things can happen. CARSON 30, HUG 6.
- Darrell Moody