One of the keys to Carson High’s success has been its ability to run the football.
The Senators, who average 57 snaps a game, are running the ball 42 times a contest compared to just 15 passes.
It’s not the type of ratio Carson coach Blair Roman really likes, but when your team does something well, you stick with it. Carson is averaging 344 yards per game rushing, and playing a key role in that is junior tackle Bryceton Schilling.
The 6-foot 230-pound Schilling has been huge the last few weeks, according to line coach Jim Franz and Roman.
“He had a monster game last week, and against Douglas he had five flat backs (putting a defender on his back),” Franz said. “He’s playing tough out there. He isn’t afraid of anybody. He is a scrappy guy.”
“He’s done a great job the last three weeks,” Roman said. “I think he graded out over 60 which is an A in our system. The biggest compliment I can give him is that he competes. We’ll be looking for him to be the leader as a senior next year.”
Schilling tweaked his ankle against Spanish Springs, and then missed the following game against North Valleys. He returned for the Spanish Springs game, and he’s been very good save for an off day against Bishop Manogue.
“It’s been a good season,” Schilling said prior to Monday’s practice. “I’ve been playing pretty good since Spanish Springs. The Douglas game was my best. I graded out an A in that game. Manogue was a tough game for me. They had a pretty good defensive tackle.
“I think I bring a lot of intensity; just working really hard. I was raised not to be lazy.”
Schilling is often asked to work in conjunction with the tight end or guard on double teams, and he and his teammate have done well despite the constant shuffling at tight end this season not to mention guard. Carson has used Josh Thompson, Ian Schulz, Eddie Duarte and Corey Jasper there, yet there hasn’t been a huge drop-off.
“They’re all great,” Schilling said. “They make it easy. They are all (experienced) seniors. They know what they are doing out there.”
Schilling said the team worked him out a bit at center because of injuries, but he hasn’t played a snap there yet.
“His natural spot might be center,” Franz said. “I don’t see him as a guard. He fits what we do. He’s not a big guy, but he gets the job done. He has worked real hard on his pass protection skills. He is solid.”
Comparing the scores
This is a fun game writers like to play when teams have common regular-season opponents.
Reno and Carson both lost to Reed this season. Reno lost 27-11 and Carson lost 44-27.
Both teams beat the other northern Nevada teams.
Damonte Ranch: Carson won 17-14 and Reno won 14-13.
Hug: Carson won 58-0 and Reno won 23-0.
North Valleys: Reno won 58-14 and Carson won 45-7.
Manogue: Reno won 59-7 and Carson won 44-13.
Galena: Reno won 9-0 and Carson won 51-21.
McQueen: Reno won 46-43 and Carson won 59-14.
Douglas: Reno won 45-7 and Carson won 42-13.
Spanish Springs: Reno won 44-6 and Carson won 28-6.
Carson scored 69 more regular-season points than Reno, but allowed 15 more points than the Huskies.
Potpourri
According to CHS trainer Adam Hunsaker, the Senators are very healthy entering the game. Defensive end Connor Chech (hip) is a game-time decision… Friday’s game will be televised on KAME. Actual kick-off will be 7:10 or 7:15 because of commercials prior to the start of the game … Reno and Carson played last year with the Senators grabbing the win, which also was in the semifinal round…The next round of playoffs will be played Nov. 20 at Damonte Ranch.