Getting defensive

If you ask the upperclassmen on the Carson High School football team what has been the biggest difference on defense this season, the Senators will point to a few things.

The most obvious statistic is the Senators’ change in points allowed.

In 11 games last season, Carson allowed 333 points. Through 11 games this fall, the Senators have given up just 184.

“The kids are hungry. The kids made the vow to be a good defensive team this year,” said Carson head coach Ryan Boshard.

This season, Carson has given up 47 points to Douglas and 35 to Galena in two losses. In the other nine games this fall, the Senators have allowed 102 points, equating to 11.3 points per game for their opponents.

It’s a real easy recipe for success as Carson is 7-0 in games this fall where it has been able to score 20 points or more.

There’s a ton of credit for that to put on the defense, which has forced 23 turnovers in 11 games in 2024 compared to four all of last season.

The process has resulted in Carson’s winningest season since 2015 and has the Senators on the doorstep of the Class 5A North-Division III regional title game.

JUMPING INTO BIGGER ROLES

One of the most fundamental changes has been to the Senators’ mindset.

Several players spoke to a more individual mentality last season that has given way to a team-first approach and trusting others with their assignments.

There’s no more obvious example than junior linebacker Justin Gonzalez.

Gonzalez did not record a tackle on varsity last season and, in fact, didn’t even play linebacker with the Senators’ JV squad.

This fall, he is second on the team in total tackles with 92, which is also the second-most of any player in the division, per MaxPreps.

“The biggest surprise for me out of our whole defense this year has been Justin Gonzalez,” said Boshard. “It’s his tenacity and wanting to be good.”

Gonzalez felt his personal desire is the reason for his success on the field.

“Just buying into the position and earning that starting spot. I worked really hard for it,” Gonzalez said.

Between Gonzalez and senior linebacker JT Heaton, the Senators have been stout behind their defensive line all season.

Kekoa Mitchell is another name the staff pointed to in regard to big improvements from one year to the next.

The senior safety has grabbed two interceptions and is fourth on the team in tackles with 56.

“My biggest problem was being caught in the backfield,” said Mitchell. “I would say my most improved part of football has been not getting caught in the backfield and then being able to make as many tackles as I have this year.”

SCHEME CHANGES, TEAM PHILOSOPHY

One of the main reasons why Carson’s defense has limited opponents’ points this season has come from scheme changes instituted in the offseason.

The Senators switched to a four-man defensive front and the overall defensive buy-in has given the coaches confidence that they can open up the play-calling.

“Last year we had to be a lot more vanilla because of what we were able to grasp,” said defensive coordinator Justin Barlow. “The kids right from the get-go grasped a lot of the concepts quicker. … We will do a lot of different coverages and split coverages. We’ll do a lot of different things with our line in slants, twists. We can blitz from everywhere now.”

A season ago, players said the defensive tone felt more individualized. It’s been an entire team effort this season.

Senior Ethan Hendee has also transitioned from defensive back to linebacker where he has 46 tackles, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

Hendee said the defense hears from their opponents on the field that they don’t know what’s coming next.

Johnathan Alvarado and Christian Rey have been two more crucial elements on defense that have kept Carson in games and both had multiple forced turnovers to their credit.

Both felt team chemistry and overall discipline has been the backbone of the positive changes on the defensive side of the ball.

“There’s one word we’ve been saying every week, every game, every practice and that’s ‘discipline,’” said Alvarado. “He (Boshard) tested us every single way this offseason and that really led into this season cause we were definitely ready.”

(JT Heaton (24), Aden Madrigal (78) and Justin Gonzalez (32) wrap up a Hug ballcarrier behind the line of scrimmage. Carson’s play on defense has helped lead the Senators to their most wins in a season since 2015. / Jeff Mulvihill, Jr. | InstaImage)

THE ‘E’ WORD

The changes in approach from the coaching staff have been noticed by several of the upperclassmen this season.

“A great shoutout to our coaches. I am so glad that they decided to change things and turn things around because it really did change for the better,” said Rey. “Everybody changed their mindset this year because we weren’t trying to be the laughingstock.”

Realistically, the Senators knew it came down to one major factor — effort.

“I think it all boils down to how devoted we are to the team. Last year, somewhat, was pretty lackadaisical,” said Mitchell. “I think we have a lot more devotion.”

This Friday, the Senators have a chance to qualify for their first regional title game since 2015.

If they are able to secure a win, the defensive tenacity will be a big reason why.