Carson High defensive back Javier Arrellano makes a tackle on the edge Friday night against Spanish Springs. Arrellano was credited with two forced fumbles in the loss.
Photo by Carter Eckl.
Carson High football didn’t get the production it wanted Friday night in a 20-0 loss to Spanish Springs. The Senators had a chance to jump out in front early in the first half, but couldn’t capitalize on the chances. In the second half, it was the Cougars that buckled down and put the Senators away. UP 7-0 entering the fourth quarter, Spanish Springs used a short drive to make it a two-score game when backup quarterback Elijah Guerard scampered into the end zone on a 3-yard keeper. The Cougars following drive went 11 plays and covered 54 yards before Spanish Springs found the end zone for the final time of the night. “We had our chances to come out of here with a win,” said Carson High head coach Blair Roman. “Neither team played particularly well. We were flat.” Offensively, Carson wasn’t able to muster a first down in the second half. Roman wondered whether the highs and lows of the Senators early season success played a roll in the lower output Friday night. “We didn’t play up to our potential and that’s disappointing for the kids because we are capable of more,” said Roman. First half turnovers The first half didn’t give too much ground to either side. A pair of fumbles from both the Cougars and Senators stalled out drives throughout the half. On Spanish Springs’ opening drive, Javier Arrellano for the Senators poked the ball free, allowing Chris Guerrero to fall on the loose ball. However, the Senators went three-and-out on their ensuing possession. The Cougars gave the ball right back to Carson on their next drive after Arrellano knocked loose another fumble. Denton Fitzpatrick fell on the loose ball in front of the Senator sideline, leading to Carson’s best offensive series of the opening 24 minutes. The Senators used eight plays to get down to the two-yard line, setting up a fourth-and-1. Under center, Vinny Ferretti tried to sneak it for a first down, but was ruled short. “That was a big play in the whole game,” said Roman. “We just made a couple of critical errors.” Spanish Springs couldn’t take advantage of the stop, but did capitalize on what happened next. After a muffed punt, Spanish Springs put a 41-yard field goal short. With 2:20 left in the second quarter, the Cougars jumped on the Senators’ second turnover. Aiden Hall recovered a backward pass and took his scoop for a score. It resulted in the only points of the first half, leaving the Cougars with a 7-0 lead heading into the locker room. “I told them I want my team back next week because we did not play like we normally played,” said Roman. “To be shutout like that is not acceptable. Hopefully, we will get it fixed.” UP NEXT: Carson (2-3) will get to go back to its home turf for a week, welcoming Bishop Manogue (4-2) to town next Friday. The Miners are coming off a big win over Galena, 44-0. Area scores Damonte Ranch 63, Douglas 21 Bishop Manogue 44, Galena 0 North Valleys 42, Hug 14 Truckee 42, Sparks 0 Lowry 55, Dayton 6
