A CHS student throws a stuffed tiger in the stands Friday night as Carson manhandled the Douglas Tigers.
The Carson High defense didn’t get its third straight shutout, but it came close.
The Senators held Douglas scoreless for three quarters before allowing a meaningless fourth-quarter score in a 49-6 win in the regular-season finale at the Jim Frank Track & Field Complex Friday night.
Carson forced four turnovers, three fumbles and an interception. The unit also allowed just 180 total yards.
“I thought all along the defense could be a strength of the team,” Carson coach Blair Roman said. “Going into the playoffs, we’re playing the best defense of the year.”
Roman heaped a lot of praise on defensive end Brady Rivera, who played well against the run and pass.
“Brady has played really well the last four or five games,” Roman said. “He’s played consistently and he’s playing fast. I couldn’t be happier.”
“We’re fired up as a unit,” Rivera said. “We’re confident and we’re relying on each other. I’m just trying to do my job and anchor the defensive line the best I can.”
Nolan Shine, the captain and leader of the unit. admitted he was hoping for a third straight shutout but happy with the win.
“I think it’s our desire,” he said. “We’re starting to play nasty defense.”
Nose for the ball
Gerardo Lobato recovered two of the three Douglas fumbles and Connor Chech got the third.
Asa Carter had a first-half interception.
Both of Lobato’s recoveries led to scores as did Carter’s pick. Turnovers accounted for 21 points.
Avoiding a shutout
Sophomore Taran Grove caught a 13-yard pass from Bryce James in the fourth quarter on a first-and-10 play. “That was a great play by the sophomore,” said Douglas coach Ernie Monfiletto. “It’s great to see those young kids be productive (as sophomores) … plays like that give them something to build on for the future.”
Burns scores
Seamus Burns, bad knee and all, got in long enough to carry for 25 yards and a score. Going into the game, Roman was unsure of how much action he would see.
Big night for Pradere
Connor Pradere had his best game of the season, catching four balls for 109 yards and a score. It was his first 100-yard game of the season.
Penalties hurt Carson
The Senators were flagged for 14 penalties for 112 yards, a season high in both categories. No doubt Roman will address that with the squad.