CARSON (0-0, 2-0) at McQueen (0-0, 0-2)
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
OFFENSE: This is a tough one to call. Carson has scored 63 in its two games compared to 45 for McQueen, but the Lancers have played two tough teams in Nevada Union and Douglas. Carson has yet to crack the 300-yard mark offensively in either of its games, and coach Blair Roman said the Senators must execute better, and certainly Garrett Schafer needs to throw it for the entire four quarters and not wait until the fourth quarter to get untracked. The Lancers are a run-oriented Winged-T team led by Lucas Weber, who scored on an interception return, a pass reception and a short run against Douglas. McQueen gained just 238 yards last week. McQueenRoman expects McQueen to play a 9-man front, and the only way to loosen that up a bit is to throw the ball. Joey Thurman has been solid running the ball, but Colby Brown needs to be effective, too.
ADVANTAGE: EVEN
DEFENSE: The Lancers allowed 42 against Douglas, while Carson improved from the Hug debacle and allowed just 10 against Reno. A key for Carson will be to get off the field on third down and not let the Lancers have any extended drives. Roman said the Lancers dare you to pass at times with their 9-man front and he doesn't expect them to deviate from that. S Gehrig Tucker has a nagging injury and his status is questionable.
ADVANTAGE: CARSON
SPECIAL TEAMS: Casey Wolfe has been sensational in all phases of the game, and he''ll get a chance to kick in the swirling winds of McQueen. Joey Thurman and Andrew Gutierrez are dangerous on returns. Delon Buncio returned one 91 yards last week for the Lancers, so no doubt the Senators will keep their collective eyes on him. Tyler Fritsen kicks for McQueen, and he's almost automatic on PATs.
ADVANTAGE: CARSON
PREDICTION: Carson 22, McQueen 20. It was a defensive struggle last week when I expected fireworks. I think Carson's defense will be the key because the offense is still looking for its identity.
