Strong first drive didn’t set tone for Carson

RENO — One of Carson High’s best drives of the season was its first one on Friday night.

The Senators used 6 1/2 minutes of the clock to put together its 72-yard drive. It was a thing of beauty, as the Senators only went to third down three different times during the drive, converting all three.

“We started quickly,” CHS coach Blair Roman said after the 56-28 loss to Reed in the regional championship game Friday night at Damonte Ranch. “We went out and executed the game plan.”

Carson’s second-longest drive of the night came on its opening possession of the second half. The Senators came up empty when Abel Carter was stopped for no gain at the Reed 30, ending the 12-play drive.

Carson’s offense was solid throughout, chalking up 405 yards unofficially. Nobody has been able to hold down the Senators all season. In two losses to Reed this year, the Senators scored 55 total points.

Against anybody other than Reed that might be enough for two wins. Instead, it resulted in Carson’s only two losses of the season.

Miller, Wallace miss game

Both Sheldon Miller and Greg Wallace missed the game.

Miller suffered a concussion against Reno, while Wallace suffered a stinger against the Huskies.

Tyler Huling started in Wallace’s spot and gained 13 yards on four carries.

Blaise Bonomo and Blaine Soukup filled in for Miller, but were unable to do much against Reed’s veteran offensive line which paved the way for 418 rushing yards.

“No question it hurt us,” Roman said. “I’m not sure it would have made a difference.”

Carters shine

Asa and Abel Carter, as they have done all season, enjoyed tremendous games.

Asa Carter carried 11 times for 60 yards and had three pass receptions for 87 yards. Abel, who led the team in rushing this season, had 126 on 18 carries. He also threw a halfback option pass for 33 yards. The Carters accounted for 21 of Carson’s 28 points.

Potpourri

Spencer Rogers scored his first offensive TD of the year, catching a 9-yard scoring pass from Joe Nelson in the fourth quarter. He made the catch despite being interfered with … Roman took blame for two of Nelson’s interceptions, citing poor play selection … This was Carson’s fifth trip to the regionals, four against Reed and one against McQueen. The Senators are 0-5 in regional championships … CHS linebacker Jace Keema played with a fractured wrist. He’s expected to miss 4-6 weeks of the upcoming basketball season, according to trainer Adam Hunsaker.