Junior Midget Pop Warner falls short

The Carson Senators Junior Midget Pop Warner football team fell short in a defensive battle with the Sparks Giants, losing12-6 Friday night at Don Mello Field in Sparks.

The Senator defense recovered from a poor showing with Fallon the week before, holding the Giants to only two touchdowns and no extra points. The Carson offense once again showed

promise running up the middle, but untimely penalties and a third quarter turnover on a fumble stalled the running game. Trailing by 12 points with three minutes to go in the game, the Senators put together a dramatic series of plays to nearly take one from the Giants. The Senators initially got good field position with a kickoff return by Jacquet to midfield. Several plays later, the Senator with a 50 yard TD play, beginning with a lateral pass

from Bacon to Trethan, then a forward pass to Staggs who ran 35 yards for the score.

After failing on the point after, the Senators set up for an onside

kick. Jacquet pooched the ball behind the Giants frontline and the ball was recovered by the Senators' Alvin Smith. The Senators moved within striking range, but penalties

and good pass defense by Sparks prevented the comeback.

The Senators rushed for 63 yards with Kevin Holmes rushing for 13 yards, Jack Jacquet gaining 38 yards on six carries and Sean Staggs running for 10 yards.

Quarterback Nick Bacon directed the Senators offense, completing three passes for 18. Sean Staggs lead the receiving corp with 59 yards on three catches followed by Travis Trethan with one catch for 12 yards and Holmes with one catch.

The Senators defense was a bright spot Friday evening, allowing only two scores and holding the Sparks team on several key possessions deep in Carson territory. The defense continually fought poor field position but managed to keep the game within one score through three quarters.

The Senators defense was lead by Jeremiah Schenzel who made 11 unassisted tackles and appeared to be in on every defensive play. Schenzel was assisted by Bryon Wilson and William Donnelly with 5 tackles each.

Both Donovan Dean and Ahron Osheroff stepped up in the second half with some outstanding plays in the Sparks backfield. Contribution were made by Alvin Smith, Robert Frederick, Sean Gibbons, Kyle Watkins, Mitchell Grover, and Chris Ames.