Carson Senators Season Preview
The high school football season begins later this month, with that being said we are previewing over twenty teams from our local area. Today's team: Carson.
Carson Senators
2022 record: 2-9 overall, 1-5 league
Head coach: Ryan Boshard, second season as head coach at Carson (2-9 overall, 1-5 league in one season at Carson)
Overview: Carson was a surprise entrant into the playoffs last year in Coach Boshard's first season in charge. Another key factor in Carson's success last season was their 12-11 victory against rival Douglas in the penultimate game of the regular season - spring boarding them into the final playoff spot.
If the Senators are going to build upon their success from last season, they are going to need complete buy-in from their athletes this season, most importantly their six defensive returners (last year's squad allowed 428 points in 11 games, for an average of 38.9 points per game). Coach Boshard said his squad will continue to run a "3-3-5 stack defense to utilize their athleticism on defense - specifically at linebacker."
The Senators will continue to run their offense out of the 11 personnel (which includes one running back and one tight end on average) while utilizing a "heavy" package from time to time - they will be welcoming back six starters on that side of the ball. For the second season in a row the Senators will begin camp in the midst of a quarterback competition that will be settled come week one of the regular season.
During my conversation with Coach Boshard he told me that with the creation of the new 5A, Division-III league that he "really believes that we can compete." He was quick to point out that "building camaraderie as a team and continuing to have the kids believe in one another" will be the keys to the Senators success this season.
Seniors to watch:
OL/DL Sam Richetta, Senior: For the second season in a row Richetta was selected as an All-Region honoree by area coaches. He is a mountain of a man, who continues to show his intelligence being able to play multiple positions along the offensive and defensive lines. Coach Boshard told me prior to last season that Richetta had "the highest ceiling of any player on the Senators roster." Over the last two seasons Richetta has accumulated 43 tackles while regularly seeing double teams as a nose guard defensively.
RB/DE Odin Riley, Senior: Riley was also an All-Region nominee last season. Boshard said he is slotted in on the defensive line, having racked up 30 tackles, and a sack last season. He was also identified as someone who will see time at running back this season for the Senators.
OG/DE Roman Gantt, Senior: Coach Boshard referred to Gantt as "the heart and soul of our offensive line - he's like the energizer bunny." More than just words on a page Gantt was a force defensively last year - tallying 15 tackles, including five tackles for loss while playing both ways.
LB Kincaid Gill, Senior: An old-school type of player with a nose for the ball Gill was responsible for 75 tackles and two interceptions last season. Coach Boshard said "he loves the game and gives 100-percent all the time." He is also involved in the Senators QB competition to begin the season.
Watch out for:
LB JT Heaton, Junior: Coach Boshard was quick to point out Heaton, entering his third season on Varsity, as a leader on his team this coming season. Last year Heaton was a menace totaling 70 tackles and three fumble recoveries. Coach Boshard said "we expect him to have the same and better production (defensively), while playing some running back for us as well."
ATH Ethan Hendee, Junior: Described as a "Jack of all Trades" Hendee will play offense, defense and special teams for the Senators this season. He will almost surely expand upon his production from last season. He will fill Parker Story's role from last year for the Senators.
Season Schedule:
Aug. 19 at Sutter (Calif.)
Aug. 25 vs. Calaveras (San Andreas, Calif.)
Sep. 1 at Basic Academy (Henderson, Nev.)
Sep. 8 at McQueen
Sep. 15 vs. Bishop Manogue
Sep. 21 at Hug
Sep. 29 vs. Wooster
Oct. 6 at Galena
Oct. 13 vs. North Valleys
Oct. 20 at Douglas
J. Ray Dockter has been covering high school sports since 2022. If you have a story worth telling let him know via Twitter @J_RayDoc.