Defending champ Carson wraps up spring football

Carson High wrapped up its two-week spring practice with its annual 7-on-7 scrimmage, and coach Blair Roman was upbeat.

“It went real well,” Roman said. “I was pleased with the turnout we had. We had 80 guys out the first couple of days. Even with the weather today we had a good turnout.

“It was a productive camp. The coaches got a good look at the kids; and they were able to look at kids in different spots.”

Roman is excited about this year’s team, and with good reason. He lost some key seniors like Brady Rivera and Colby Brown, but the defending Sierra League champs return safety-running back Asa Carter (549 yards rushing, 380 yards receiving and 70 tackles), linebacker Ikela Lewis (102 tackles), wide receiver Conner Pradere (24 catches, 378 yards), quarterback Joe Nelson (1,130 yards, 8 TDs), running back Elijah Fajayan (657 yards rushing) and tight end/defensive end Ian Schulz (4 catches for 81 yards, 24 tackles)to name a few.

The Senators will have plenty of players off last year’s championship JV team on this year’s squad.

“I like the mix that we have on this year’s team,” Roman said.

“They work hard. There is a long way to go until August 20. We have a lot of work to do.”

There were a couple of new faces working out with the team the last couple of weeks. The first is Terek Been, a standout first baseman. The second is Justin Tschetter, who played at Carson as a freshman. Tschetter’s family moved to Galena for his sophomore year, and now he’s back in Carson.

“He (Tschetter) started at running back his freshman year,” Roman said. “He started at Galena last year at linebacker. He has a lot of experience. The kids are happy to have him back with us.

“Terek has a lot to learn. We’re looking at him at wide receiver. He could be an Alan Cohen type of receiver. Alan came out as a senior and had a tremendous year. Coach (Vic) Castro likes what he’s seen of him on defense.”

A concern is Nelson’s right elbow, which forced Bryan Manoukian to shut his right-hander down. Nelson said he’s feeling better.

“Obviously it’s a concern,” Roman said. “Except for today, I have limited the amount of throws in practice to 20. He needs some rest.”

Because the baseball team had a summer game on Wednesday, junior-to-be Jace Keema left early, leaving Nelson as the only quarterback on Wednesday.

Up next for the Senators is their annual summer camp July 14-16.

Normally the team goes to South Tahoe High School, but because of California rules which ban hitting at these camps, Roman has had to come up with an alternate plan.

“We’re going to be with Wooster and Douglas, and we’re going to have a little camp at Whittell (which is in Nevada, thus teams can hit),” Roman said. “We’re still looking for a fourth team. Clearly that rule changes the landscape of these camps.”

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Nelson completed 23 of 44 passes for 274 yards and four TDs. He did have three interceptions. Keema, in his three-series stint, went 5-for-8 for 81 yards and two scores. Spencer Rogers and Fajayan each had six catches while Pradere added five grabs. Nine different backs and/or receivers caught at least one pass.

The Senators looked good in throwing the ball downfield, and both Keema and Nelson showed strong arms.