Seamus Burns, who was a back-up fullback and linebacker last season, will see his first action of the season Friday at Damonte Ranch.
Burns suffered a lacerated liver during summer training camp, and just returned to full action this past week, according to head coach Blair Roman.
“He will play some running back and outside linebacker,” Roman said Tuesday afternoon. “I don’t see him playing full time, but he’ll get significant snaps at both positions.
“On offense, he will share time with Elijah (Fajayan). He’ll also spell Nolan (Shine) at linebacker. It gives us a chance to sit Nolan on defense a little bit instead of quarterback. I think immediately (Burns) will help us more at running back. With Seamus and Elijah back there at A back it gives us the luxury of having two quality kids at the position.”
OTHER CHANGES
Roman also said there’s a possibility Josue Orozco and Maurilio Olivares may swap spots this week, meaning Olivares would move outside to tackle and Orozco would move inside to guard. It’s not a huge move, given the fact offensive linemen in Carson’s scheme have to know how to play and what the responsibilities are at each position.
Roman also indicated safety/wingback Asa Carter would take over punting duties from Corey Reid. When making the change, Roman said he was looking for the most athletic player who could handle the spot, and Carter is arguable the best all-around athlete on the team.
Cameron Radtke could see some time this week at defensive tackle in an effort to get more inside pass rush. Expect to see Ian Schulz get the first shot at defensive end because of his ability to play in space.
UP AND DOWN MUSTANGS
Carson will be a road favorite on Friday against the 1-4 Mustangs but that doesn’t mean much, considering Carson should have beaten Spanish Springs at home and lost by a point.
“They have been up and down,” Roman said. “They played really well against Spanish Springs (40-6 win), had blowout losses to Reed and Reno and lost in double overtime to North Valleys. They are a lot like us, young. I know it’s a cliché, but they are a lot better than their record.
“They have their system in place, and the intensity level they want to play at. The kids know they are going to be in a big battle on Friday.”
Roman said the Mustangs will give Carson a lot of different looks on both sides of the ball.
“They like to spread you out and they like to have balance between the run and pass,” Roman said. “They gained more than 600 yards last week.”
Sam Banghart has already gained more than 600 yards and is averaging 8.1 a carry and 124 yards per game.
“He reminds me of (Dikembe) Montgomery of Hug,” Roman said. “He’s slippery and hard to bring down, and he’s got speed.”
Elijah Sapico leads the team in receptions (17) and yards (243). Jared Blake is at 14 catches and 198 yards.
Sophomore Drake Vestbie has completed 45 percent of his passes for 644 yards and five TDs. He’s also thrown seven interceptions on the season.
