Carson High assistant football coach Pat Houlihan, after watching some film recently, thought McQueen looked beatable.
As it turns out, the perennial powerhouse Lancers were beatable, losing 18-7 to Bishop Manogue in the NIAA 4A regional playoffs.
So, it will be the Miners (6-4) and not the Lancers, who invade Carson High Friday night for a second-round playoff game against the Senators (9-1). The winner advances to the state semifinal at Mackey Stadium on Nov. 26 against either Reed or Douglas.
The teams have played six times since the 2005 season. Manogue won the first four meetings, but Carson has won the last two, including this year.
Earlier this year, Carson knocked off Manogue when Austin Pacheco boomed a wind-aided 64-yard field goal to snap a 24-all tie and give the Senators a 27-24 victory.
"I think Manogue thought we were lucky to win that game," running back Dylan Sawyers said. "We have to go out and do what we have to do. It should be a good game."
"Our coaches thought it would be a good game," said Carson coach Blair Roman, who didn't appear to be overly surprised that Manogue won. "McQueen plays solid defense, but doesn't have enough offense."
The Miners will bring in a balanced offense led by quarterback T.J. Menning, who unofficially has passed for 1,519 yards and 17 scores. The running game is potent with Kenny Rogers (497 yards, 4 TDs) leading the way. Rogers had an ankle injury and didn't play when the teams met earlier this year. Gabe Martin rushed for 357 yards. Jake Pomi has 17 catches for 279 yards and two scores, while Rogers caught 19 passes for 167 yards and four scores.
