Carson (2-1, 2-0) at Manogue (3-1, 3-1)
Saturday, 1 p.m.
OFFENSE: The Miners, according to Carson coach Blair Roman, have one of the most balanced offenses in Northern 4A football with quarterback T.J. Menning, wide receiver Joey Garrett, tight end Jake Pomi and running back Kenny Rogers. Menning averages nearly 200 yards per game through the air, while Rogers averages 106 yards per game and has 10 receptions for 96 yards. Garrett has 24 receptions for 327 yards and three scores, while Pomi has 10 catches for 154 yards. Carson's offense has scored 99 points the past two weeks in wins over North Valleys and Hug, two of the weakest programs in 4A football. Dylan Sawyers has 10 touchdowns in the last two two games and 433 yards rushing for the season for the season, while QB Matt Nolan has been very efficient throwing, completing 16 of 21 for 258 yards and two scores. Nolan also averages more than 40 yards per game rushing. Sophomore Joey Thurman has shown flashes of brilliance thus far.
Advantage: Carson
Defense: The Miners' defense allows 16 points per game, but gave up 23 of those to Reno last week. Linebacker Conor Hargrove, tackle Dalton Skach and linebacker Tony Teglia are Manogue's top tacklers. Carson has posted back-to-back shutouts after surrendering 34 to Highland of Pocatello, Idaho in its opener. Carson's pass defense faltered in the opener, and no doubt Menning will be throwing a lot. Carson gets Chance Quilling (knee) back this week, and that should help the Senators on both sides of the ball. Patrick Hesse and Patrick Cooke have played well defensively. Carson needs to be able to get a pass rush on Menning and force him out of his comfort zone.
Advantage: Even
Special teams: Austin Pacheco needs to have a strong leg on Saturday. You don't ever want to give the Miners' offense good field position. Pacheco averages 56 yards on kick-offs and 40.71 on punts. Manogue averages 33 on punts, but Patrick Beauchamp does have seven touchbacks, tying him with Pacheco.
Advantage: Carson
Prediction: Despite the fact that Manogue now has lights, the game is being played during the day. Is there some gamesmanship going on? I hope not. I have to wonder why the game couldn't have been played Saturday night instead. The weather was super hot two years agao when the Miners upset Carson. If Carson can cut down on silly mistakes, it should post another W.
CARSON 24, MANOGUE 21
