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Carson High football

Carson, Douglas football clash Friday

Senator home playoff game potentially in the balance

Carson High’s Parker Story (6) runs for a first down against Douglas last season. Story, a senior, will try to help lead the Senators to their first win over the Tigers in their last four contests Friday.

Carson High’s Parker Story (6) runs for a first down against Douglas last season. Story, a senior, will try to help lead the Senators to their first win over the Tigers in their last four contests Friday.
Photo by Ron Harpin.

By Carter Eckl

Friday, October 15, 2021

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 With a potential playoff home game at stake, the Carson High football team is well aware of its record in its last three meetings with Douglas.
The Tigers have taken each of the last three matchups, leaving the Senator seniors with one last chance to get a victory on the turf over the Tigers. 
“We are still in the running for a home playoff game, but it’s going to come down to tiebreakers,” said Carson High head coach Blair Roman. “I certainly feel like they’ve had our number the last three years in a row, hopefully it’s our year. We are going to have to go down and earn it, though.”
Douglas (1-5) has only posted a win over Galena this season and, based on common opponents, has had a tougher time in league play than Carson.
However, both teams have had similar identities for a long time and the Senators know they will have to be able to stop a Tiger offense that is going to be physical on the ground.
“The anticipation is always fun because it’s a big football game,” said Roman. “It’s nice that you have that extra excitement, but at the same token you have to really focus in on doing your job.”

Tiger prep
Senior running back Gabe Foster has seen a majority of Douglas’ carries, putting together an average of 5.2 yards per carry.
Foster (No. 13) has run for 466 yards this season and has recorded a team-high 51 tackles from his linebacker position on the defensive side.
Roman knows in order to topple the Tigers, stifling Douglas’ senior captain will have to be a priority.
“I don’t think it’s a secret, … that No. 13, Foster, does a good job,” said Roman. “We will have to do a good job of containing him.”
No. 42 Cole Smalley is another linebacker that the Senators will have to be aware of, but the Senators have been seeing solid linebacker play all season.
Sophomore quarterback Owen Evans has tossed the pigskin for 322 yards this season with his favorite target being junior wide out Aden Flory.
Another defensive presence the Senators will have to be aware of is senior cornerback Robert Costello, who is tied for the Class 5A North interception lead with three.
Douglas is coming off of a bye week, giving the Tigers and extra week of preparation for Carson.
The Tigers also posted their second highest point total two weeks ago in a 63-21 loss to Damonte Ranch.
“I’m expecting a hard fought game in the trenches on both sides of the ball and I think that’s one of the keys to the game,” said Roman.

Taking care of business
Carson may be coming off one of the toughest three-game stretches in the North after playing McQueen, Spanish Springs and Bishop Manogue in consecutive weeks.
Even with three losses on the record, Roman has continued to gain confidence in his team’s play based on their performances on the field.
Carson’s rushing attack will continue to be a focal point for the Senators Friday, but getting the first push on the line could be the difference maker all night.
“Our offensive line has to be physical and we have to do a good job of getting people blocked,” said Roman.
Jacob Campbell and Parker Story have been equally dangerous for the Senators with 591 and 534 all-purpose yards, respectively.
If the Senators can establish a passing attack too, it’ll go a long way in keeping the Tiger defense from creeping up in anticipation of a run.
DeCarlo Quintana didn’t practice Monday, but Roman said he is hopeful to have his lengthy, athletic wide out back on the field.
Otherwise, both teams will enter Friday’s ‘Rivalry Game’ pretty healthy.
“I expect a really good clash on Friday,” Roman added.
For a full recap of the contest, visit www.nevadaappeal.com/sports

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