Carson senior receiver Connor Pradere (8) grabs a reception for a big gain Friday night at home against the Galena Grizzlies.
Senior Connor Pradere picked a great time to have the best game of his career.
Pradere, who has had some trouble holding onto the ball this year, caught seven passes for a career-best 139 yards and a touchdown in Carson High’s easy 51-21 win over Galena on Senior Night Friday at the Jim Frank Track & Field Complex.
Pradere’s 35-yard catch over the middle set up Carson’s first score, andd after he caught a 31-yard TD pass, he set up another score with a 39-yard grab. He averaged nearly 20 yards a reception.
“It’s the hair, that’s what it is,” said Pradere, who cut his hair earlier this week.
“I have spent a lot of time on focus drills; a lot of time with coach (Scott) Witter after practices. I’ve been thinking about it (missed passes) a little bit, but I knew I just needed to have one breakout game and I would be fine. I should be OK the rest of the season. The line did a great job to give Jace (Keema) enough time to throw the ball.”
Pradere’s first reception of the game was the best.
“The ball just barely got over the DB’s hand, and I dove for it,” Pradere said.
Abel Carter gave Carson a 7-0 lead moments later on a 17-yard run. He ran a nice post route to grab a 31-yard scoring pass from Keema, who completed 10 of 14 for 159 yards.
“Connor and I stayed after practice on Tuesday throwing,” Keema said. “It’s like baseball, you have to have a short memory.”
Big night for Barahona
Kicker Johnny Barahona had a career-best night as a varsity kicker, converting field goals of 20, 29 and 33 yards, respectively.
He also had three touchbacks and put several other kicks inside the 5-yard line.
“He did a great job,” kicking coach Jim deArrieta said. “I’m very happy with him.”
A new snapper
With Adam Domitrovich sidelined for a week because of academic issues, the Senators used Jake Roman as a snapper on field goals and extra points.
“I had a couple of iffy ones, but other than that I felt I did well,” he said.
“Jake did a good job,” deArrieta said. “We put a lot of pressure on him during practice.”
Potpourri
Quarterback Joe Nelson suited up but didn’t play. Roman expects him to be ready for the Douglas game ... Asa Carter blocked his second punt of the season, leading to a Barahona field goal ...
Carson, thanks to dominating line play, averaged nearly 8 yards a rushing attempt ... The only schools who boast longer win streaks than Carson’s seven-gamer are Bishop Gorman and Reed ... Roman said he’s giving the players Monday off since it’s a bye week. Monday will be strictly a film session ... Austin Ackerman came out of the game briefly, but returned in the second half... Seven different players carried the ball for Carson ... Eddie Duarte saw action at both tackle and tight end.
