Football previews for Friday

Two teams in dire need of a division win meet tonight in Churchill County as Carson High School (0-3, 1-4) travels to face the Fallon's Greenwave (0-2, 1-4) at 7:30 p.m.

Both teams are winless in division play so far this season and need a victory to retain any chance of advancing to the Northern 4A playoffs.

Despite being in the midst of a four-game losing streak, Carson is the favorite in tonight's game. Last Friday, Fallon lost to Lowry 18-15, the same team the Senators trounced 41-6 for their lone win on the season's opening night.

Fallon's only win this season also came in its first game, a 28-6 victory over 3A Battle Mountain.

The Greenwave is led by quarterback Kenny Redner, who passed for more than 1,200 yards in '98. Against the Buckaroos last week, Redner threw two touchdowns to Aaron Lesue.

Lesue, who had 24 catches last season, is also one of the team's best defensive players at his cornerback position.

Running the ball hasn't been as effective as passing for the Greenwave this season. When Fallon does rush, it's likely Kelly Davis will have the ball. He rushed 14 times against Lowry, but was held to 30 yards.

Carson will look to exploit the Fallon defense with its Wing-T offense, led by Doug Brooks and Evan McQuirk. Brooks has rushed for a combined 204 yards in his last two games.

Prediction: Carson 35, Fallon 7.

Galena at Reed, 7:30 p.m.

Galena will have its hands full tonight in Sparks against a hungry Raiders team eager to keep pace with McQueen and Elko in Division I.

Galena (0-3, 1-4) is in the Division I cellar, while Reed (1-1, 4-1) is in third place, trailing both the Lancers and Indians in the standings.

Galena is coming off a 41-12 loss to Elko, while Reed tuned up last week by trouncing 3A Tahoe-Truckee 54-7.

The Grizzlies will need a big game from running back Damian Rivadeneyra in order to pull off the upset. He rushed for 74 yards against Elko last week.

Prediction: Reed 40, Galena 7.

Boulder City at Dayton, 7:30 p.m.

The Dust Devils (1-3) will attempt to show that they can play with one of Division III's better teams when the Eagles land in town tonight. Boulder City (2-2) advanced to the state playoffs last year as the No. 3 playoff team from the South, but the Eagles lost in the first round to eventual state champion Tahoe-Truckee, 48-0. The Eagles are currently ranked ninth in the state in 3A in a media poll.

Dayton is coming off its first win of the year, 35-12, over Whittell. The Dust Devils will look for another big game from Shane Van Zant, who rushed for 161 yards last week.

Prediction: Boulder City 24, Dayton 14

Fernley at Spring Creek, 7:30 p.m.

With Tahoe-Truckee seemingly in a rebuilding year, this game should help determine the Division I champion this season. Tonight's game is the Division I opener for both the Vaqueros and Spartans.

In looking at common opponents, Fernley squeaked past White Pine last Friday at home, 22-12, while Spring Creek (3-1) crushed the Bobcats 56-8 on Sept. 3.

But Fernley (3-1) was on the upswing earlier with wins over Dayton and Yerington and should be competitive tonight.

Joey Fennessey has been runing well for Fernley in recent games, recording 54 yards against the Bobcats last week.

Prediction: Spring Creek 31, Fernley 17.