Carson running back Abel Carter rounds the corner on his way to a big gain for the Senators against Spanish Springs Friday night in Sparks.
When the Carson Senators line up on Friday night against Spanish Springs, in the opening round of the Division I regional football playoffs, they will be looking at a new starting quarterback.
Korbin Marcum, who saw some relief duty in the 28-6 loss to the Senators earlier this year, is the Cougars’ new starting quarterback. Marcum, who went 9-for-12 passing for 38 yards, has completed 106 of 194 passes for 1,133 yards and seven scores. He replaces Ian Check, who has been shifted to wide receiver.
Spanish Springs threw mostly underneath routes against Carson earlier this year, and CHS head coach Blair Roman has said that trend has continued for the most part. Marcum, who is 6-foot-4, does have a stronger arm than the 5-10 Check.
“ (Marcum) does have a good arm and he gets rid of the ball quickly,” Roman said.
Austin Cadenhead (30 catches, 536 yards, 5 TDs), Check (24-209-1) and Cody Schaefer (23-332-0) are the three main receiving threats. Cadenhead had a productive game against CHS with six catches for 67 yards. Schaefer had two grabs for 78 yards.
Carson struggled at times offensively against the Cougars. Spanish Springs does a lot of run blitzing, a trend Roman feels will continue on Friday.
“Their defensive coordinator has been there a long time, and they have done quite well with that (style of defense),” Roman said. “Last time we played them, we didn’t have Ian (Schulz) at tight end and played Eddie Duarte out there. Austin Ackerman (center) was out. Corey (Jasper) played center. We are pretty healthy up front, and we’re playing at a higher level.”
Schulz actually lined up wide several times against Douglas, and Roman said that will continue.
“That gives us a second option along with Gage (Gunzburg) at wide receiver,” Roman said. “It’s a good matchup for us.”
Jasper has been playing more tight end than anything else. His versatility has been a key for the Senators.
INJURY REPORT
Adam Domitrovich, down lineman and long snapper, is day-to-day with a thumb injury. Also day-to-day is defensive end Connor Chech.
Roman is hopeful both will be able to answer the bell on Friday.
If Domitrovich can’t go at long snapper, Jasper will handle the punt snaps and Jake Roman will handle the snaps on field goals and PATs. Nick Andreas, who has been playing more and more at defensive tackle as the season has progressed, could see even more time in Domitrovich’s spot.
NEW FACES
As is his custom, Roman has invited about 15 players from the lower squads to work out with the varsity this week and suit up for Friday’s playoff opener.
“We have a few freshmen and the rest are sophomores,” Roman said. “Most will probably go to their winter sport after the first playoff game, and the rest will stay with us.”
One player who may get some extended time is sophomore lineman Blaise Bonomo, a 220-pounder.
RUNNING TEAM
Roman admits that the offense hasn’t been real balanced, but it’s hard to argue with the results.
Carson is averaging 56 snaps a game, 41 runs and 15 passes. The Senators are averaging 341 yards a game rushing and 111 through the air.
“We have been balanced running in terms we haven’t had to rely on any one back,” he said.
Sophomore Abel Carter has a team-leading 900 yards (11.4 average on 79 carries), Greg Wallace has 677 yards (9.1 on 74 attempts) and Asa Carter has 513 yards (11.9 average on 43 carries). All three can score from anywhere on the field. Abel Carter has scoring runs of 90, 57, 34 and 80 yards among his nine scores. Asa Carter has runs of 86 and 72 yards among his six scores. Wallace has long scoring runs of 40, 74, and 41 yards among his nine rushing scores. Asa Carter and Wallace are also dangerous coming out of the backfield.