Douglas High’s Austin Pitts (50) fights through a block for the Tigers against Damonte Ranch. Pitts and the rest of the Tigers will travel to Carson High on Friday in hopes of returning The Rivalry Trophy to Douglas High School.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
Douglas High football has had to think about Carson celebrating on the Tigers’ turf since last season.
After the Senators hit a game-winning, 20-yard field goal as time expired, Carson’s sideline erupted and poured onto the field, taking the Rivalry Trophy from the Tiger sideline.
“The energy is up because everybody knows what is at stake,” said Douglas High head coach Kyle Mays.
With the game at Carson High this Friday, the Tigers are hoping it’ll once again be the away sideline that gets the spoils of victory.
Senators’ setup
Carson High’s offense hasn’t shown the ability to score quite like the Tigers have.
However, in the recent weeks the Senators have shown a few different looks at quarterback – either out of necessity or simply a new wrinkle.
Douglas will have to prepare for what will likely be Parker Story (No. 6) at quarterback this Friday night.
Story is arguably one of the Senators’ most electric players and his agility has given teams problems.
“They’ve got athletes. We’re expecting Story to be at quarterback,” said Mays. “If they get out in space they are going to be hard to bring down, especially Parker.”
DeCarlo Quintana (No. 9) and Chris Guerrero (3) have also seen time at quarterback for the Senators and each bring different skillsets to the position.
If Quintana isn’t under center for Carson, he will be out wide using his 6-foot-3 frame to box out defensive backs.
On the ground, Marcus Montes (15) leads the royal blue and white with 343 rushing yards, averaging 43 yards per contest.
Mays complimented Carson’s defense and its ability to slow the run.
Of course, Douglas hopes to establish that aspect of its game.
“Just like all year, it’s going to be about execution,” said Mays. “They are pretty sound, and their edge is pretty solid. We’re going to try to seal blocks and hopefully get downhill.”
Junior Kincaid Gill (7) and JT Heaton (42) have been Carson’s leading tacklers this season with 59 and 53 wrap-ups, respectively.
Special teams might be where the Senators have the biggest edge, as senior Isaac Avina (33) has been a game-changer in field position this season, posting an average of 40.1 yards per punt.
The Tigers are expected to be as healthy as they can be, suiting up 30 players Friday.
