Carson High football: Asa Carter takes over in 2nd half for Senators

Simply put, Asa Carter took over Friday’s 49-34 playoff win against Spanish Springs.

Carter blocked a punt, his third of the season, late in the third quarter which led to Jace Keema’s 1-yard run and a 35-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. And, Carter applied the finishing touches, less than two minutes later when he caught a 61-yard bomb from Joe Nelson that put the Senators ahead 42-20.

Carson had just extended its lead to 28-20 when Carter came up with the block and Alex Estrada fell on the ball inside the Spanish Springs 10-yard line.

“I lined up outside, and I think their guy thought I was too wide,” Carter said. “I felt I was going to be able to get there.”

The 61-yard pass reception came just two plays after Ikela Lewis recovered a fumble at the Carson 37.

A low snap caused Nelson to take a 4-yard loss. Carter was running free on that play, and was well behind the safety. Carter roared by the safety again on the next play. He caught Nelson’s perfectly thrown ball at the 25 and outraced the defenders into the end zone.

“There was about a four-minute stretch where Asa just took over the game,” Roman said. “That’s what senior leaders need to do.”

“He essentially took over the game when we needed it,” Nelson said.

Carter rushed nine times for 40 yards and had three catches for 81 yards.