Since Blair Roman took the reins in 2008, Galena High has given the Senators some of their toughest games.
Carson has won four of the seven matchups against Steve Struzyk-coached Galena teams, outscoring Galena 168-129 in that span.
“There have been some great games,” Roman admitted Tuesday morning.
“Last year was no exception. I expect a tough game on Friday. I expect it to be a challenge. Going over there has been tough.
“They have improved a lot defensively. Junior Pousima, who played for them as a freshman last year, has come on. He really stands out on film.”
Travis Bohall, a defensive back, leads the team in tackles with 62 and he also has three interceptions.
Carson narrowly escaped last year with a 27-26 win. The Grizzlies dealt CHS a heartbreaking 14-7 overtime loss in 2009, and then hung a 42-0 loss on Carson in 2012.
Sophomore Sonny Robison has passed for 678 yards and four scores. He has thrown seven interceptions. He does have the ability to make plays with his feet as he showed in the scrimmage against Carson back in August.
Senior Grant Hooks has run for 337 yards and a score.
Another start for Nelson
Junior Joe Nelson gets his second straight start at quarterback for the Senators.
“As I said after last week’s game, I saw some things we can build on with Joe,” Roman said. “I think you can see it definitely helped the defense with Nolan (Shine) being able to concentrate totally on that side of the ball.”
In Carson’s offense, the quarterback is asked to manage the game.
“We do ask a lot of our quarterbacks,” Roman said. “It’s more than just handing the ball off. They have to throw on the run, audible in and out of plays and be productive.
“We try to gear our passing attack to what a quarterback does best. I expect quarterbacks to throw 60 percent (completion rate). If they are doing that we’re very effective at what we’re doing. We have made some big passing plays over the top when people have come up to stop the run. We’re trying to get more balanced.”
Shine was at 43 percent for his 73 attempts, while Nelson is at 50 percent on 32 attempts in spot appearance.
Welcome back Brandon
Brandon Maffei, who plays the hybrid safety/linebacker spot for Carson, will be back on the field Friday after missing last week’s game entirely. He’s averaging five tackles a contest.
“He’ll play, but whether he starts or not is another story,” Roman said. “I’m happy with Brady (O’Keefe). Having both of them there is a nice luxury.”
The A train
Roman has a nice situation at A back with Seamus Burns (11 carries for 55 yards in 2 games) and Elijah Fajayan (68 carries, 403 yards).
“I don’t know who will start,” Roman said. “Elijah has been really productive.”
Burns ran hard last week, and he’s also the better blocker between the two. Still, having two productive players at a spot where there is constant contact, is a very good thing.
