CARSON (6-1, 6-0) AT GALENA (1-7, 1-6)
THURSDAY, 7:30 P.M.
OFFENSE: Carson's offense has been clicking quite well with plenty of big plays courtesy of quarterback Matt Nolan, wingbacks Chance Quilling and Austin Pacheco, and wide receiver Brock Pradere. Both Nolan and Pradere are coming off career games with 244 and 118 yards, respectively. The Senators need continued solid play from Joey Thurman. Galena is averaging just 20 points a game thus far. Brock Raggio starts under center and has passed for 414 yards and three scores, while Connor Marks and Logan Harger are the main ball toters. Zane Copenhaver had a TD catch against North Valleys. No other stats were available on the Grizzlies. If the Senators get into the red zone, they need to finish and not settle for field goals.
ADVANTAGE: Carson
DEFENSE: Carson is coming off a solid effort against Spanish Springs. The Cougars had one defensive score and one score against the Senators' second-string defense. Quilling, Logan Peternell, Patrick Hesse and Patrick Cooke have played well throughout the season. The Senators were able to play a little more aggressively last week after jumping out to a four-touchdown lead in the first half. Galena has struggled on the defensive side of the ball this year, allowing 30 points a game.
ADVANTAGE: Carson
SPECIAL TEAMS: Pacheco had his best kicking game of the season, nailing three 24-yard field goals. He also had a couple of touchbacks as well. Pacheco had a punt return as well which was a welcome sight.
ADVANTAGE: Carson
PREDICTION: Hopefully the Senators won't get too cocky about this one. All coach Blair Roman needs to do is remind this year's team of the 2009 playoff loss to Galena. The Senators were a solid favorite in that game just as they are in this one. Carson needs to win out to assure itself of no worse than a No. 2 seed when the playoffs start.
PREDICTION: Carson 29, Galena 14
