Quarterback Jace Keema has been ruled out of Friday’s Sierra League showdown at Damonte Ranch.
Keema, Carson High’s second-leading rusher, was injured on a running play last Friday against Bishop Manogue. Apparently Keema had his foot stepped on during the play.
Junior Daniel Morrison will start in Keema’s place. Morrison has completed 2 of 4 passes, including a TD to Kyle Rudy in the 56-0 win over North Valleys. Back-up wide receiver Terin Keller will be the back-up quarterback, and it’s certainly possible that Blake Menzel, the JV starter, could be put on the roster.
“The only pressure will be the pressure he puts on himself,” coach Blair Roman said. “The team or coaching staff isn’t putting any pressure on him. He just has to go out and do what he was taught to do. He has come a long way since August.”
Cornerback Landon Truesdale (ankle) returned to practice on Tuesday. He will undoubtedly be a game-time decision.
Truesdale injured his ankle at the tail end of last Wednesday’s practice. Kyle Glanzmann stepped in for Truesdale and played well, registering four tackles.
If Truesdale can’t go, Roman said the Senators have several different options they can look at. One is starting Glanzmann again. The other is moving Spencer Rogers back to cornerback and using Tyler Huling at safety.
Roman admitted it will be up to the defense to turn in one of its best games of the season.
“It will be about doing all the little things,” Roman said. “No question about it, this is where the team aspect comes into play. We have to do a great job in all three aspects of the game.”
EXPLOSIVE TEAM: The Mustangs, who haven’t lost since a season-opening road loss to Cathedral Catholic in San Diego, are on a six-game win streak.
The Mustangs have scored 157 points in their last three wins over McQueen (56-17), Shasta (54-24) and Douglas (47-42).
“They are a big-play offense,” Roman said. “Their quarterback (Cade McNamara) is as good a quarterback as we’ve seen since Hunter Fralick of Spanish Springs. They have a nice set of receivers, a couple of three-year starters on the offensive line and a good running back.
“They are the best passing team we’ve seen since Desert Mountain, but they run the ball better than Desert Mountain. They are on par with Reed.”
Sophomore Cade McNamara is 106 for 190 for 1,839 yards and 21 TDs. He averages 262 yards per game. His favorite receivers are Dru Jacobs (28-643-60), Ryan Riggle (27-454-7) and running back Cameron Sandoval (20-353-5).
Sandoval has gained 1,017 yards on the ground and scored 13 times. Adonis Williams, Jonah Hyde and Jacob Covert are big blockers up front.
TV TIME: Channel 21 has decided to televise Friday’s game. It wasn’t on the original schedule. It doesn’t appear, however, the Douglas-Carson game will be shown.
SERIES NUMBERS: Since Roman took control of the program, Carson has won eight of the 10 meetings against the Mustangs.
Five of the match-ups have been decided by seven points or less, and four of those games have been determined by three points or less.