RENO — Two years ago, Colby Brown had a coming out party with a 202-yard rushing effort against North Valleys.
On Friday, junior fullback Elijah Fajayan celebrated his first 100-yard rushing effort, gaining 131 yards and scoring twice in Carson’s 35-21 win over North Valleys.
Fajayan scored on runs of 62 and 1 yard, respectively. The 62-yard run snapped a 7-all tie and gave Carson the lead for good.
The long scoring run redeemed Fajayan, who coughed up the ball at the NV 1-yard line and wiped out what would have been an impressive 94-yard scoring drive.
“That (fumble) motivated me,” Fajayan said. “I spun and had an arm out and somebody knocked it out.
“I’m excited (about getting to 100 yards). I’ve been waiting for the opportunity. I didn’t get it against Clayton Valley or McQueen.”
Fajayan had just 15 carries the first two games, and he had 13 against the Panthers. He ran hard, ran though people and around people. He gave fans a glimpse of what could happen the rest of the year and next season.
“That fumble was unfortunate,” Roman said. “He took it personally, and he ended up running well and having a good game. “
MINOR ADJUSTMENT
Carson linebacker Nolan Shine said the team played better defense in the second half because of an adjustment.
“We put an extra linebacker in the box,” Shine said. “Our defensive line stepped up and played really well the second half.”
North Valleys did score twice in the final two quarters, but the second TD came against Carson’s second unit when the outcome was decided.
HELP ON THE WAY
Seamus Burns, who was slated to start at fullback until he suffered an injury before the season started, had an ultrasound. If the tests come back OK then he would be cleared to start practice sometime this next week.
Burns can play both fullback and linebacker.
