Carson High's Giovanni Arce-Garcia (28) runs through a hole created by blockers Jeremy HEaton (44) and Parker Story (6).
Photo by Carter Eckl.
When Friday rolls around it’ll mark 519 days since Carson and Douglas football last met.
Douglas took the last installment of the series, 34-24, back on November 1, 2019.
You’ll have to go back to the fall of 2017 to find the last time the Senators were able to secure the bragging rights to the trophy.
This spring season meeting may be the longest it’s been without the two teams, but it’ll be a quick turnaround to the fall season of 2021.
Carson will have the benefit of being back on its home field, but Douglas will come in with confidence on its side after a 10-point win over Reno last week.
Making plays on special teams
Points could be hard to come by Friday evening.
Douglas’ defense, despite giving up some big totals in losses this season have seen a number of opposing scores inflate due to special teams miscues.
When it comes to shifting possession, the Tigers will need to make sure they can change the field effectively.
“I firmly believe the most important special team is punt,” said Douglas head coach Ernie Monfiletto. “We’ve changed our punt team, not personnel, but our philosophy, … but I have confidence the kids will respond.”
Carson’s offense has been able to put together sporadic efforts through the air, but the Tigers know to be ready for a heavy helping of run stop.
Jacob Campbell (No. 5), Jeremy Heaton (No. 34) and Giovanni Arce-Garcia (No. 28) along with others will certainly get their touches for the Senators.
Along with the running attack, Monfiletto knows the Senators’ passing game has been able to provide support when it can put together connections.
“I think they’re going to come in excited. They’ve got nothing to lose. It’s a rivalry game. It should mean a lot to them,” said Monfiletto. “Blair does a great job. … I have a great deal of respect for Blair and his ability to get those kids prepared.”
On the flip side, Carson will have to contend with another offense that has helpings of talent.
Trevor Kruger (No. 8), who had 173 yards and three touchdowns last week, is Northern Nevada’s second leading rusher in Class 5A.
Chris Smalley (No. 30) and Gabe Foster (No. 13), who both can bulldoze their way for yards when necessary, accompany Kruger in the backfield.
The Tigers’ passing attack has also found its moments with Cameron Swain’s (No. 3) athletic frame on the outside.
Along with the threats to break plays open, Carson High head coach Blair Roman knows his team will have to battle up front with a tough Tiger line.
“Douglas is going to want to run the ball on offense,” said Roman. “They have an o-line that is playing very fast and very well right now. I think they have a young quarterback, who is getting better and better each week.”
Along with the physicality upfront, many of the same names that will be pushing bodies out of the way on offense also line up on the other side of the ball.
“They have some athletic outside linebackers that bring a lot to the table. You’re going to have to contain their backers,” added Roman.
Senior Night
It’ll be Senior Night for Carson High and a Senator senior class that has battled through plenty of changes over the last 12 months.
“Their attitude has been unbelievable and I’ve been very appreciate of that,” Roman said.
In all, 18 seniors will take the field one more time for the Senators Friday night with a chance to go out as rivalry champs.
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