Carson Senators Season Preview
Updated: Aug. 9, 2024
By: J. Ray Dockter
We are exactly one week away from the start of high school football in the Silver State, and I couldn't be more excited. Over the next few weeks, I'll be previewing many teams from our local area as well as a few other surprises, before getting into football season full swing on Aug. 16th when the first games kickoff. Today's team: Carson.
Head coach: Ryan Boshard, third season as head coach at Carson (5-17 overall, 3-8 league in two seasons at Carson)
2023 Season Record: 3-8 overall, 2-3 league
Overview:
Up and down, that's how Carson head coach Ryan Boshard described his team's season last year. Moving forward 'buy in' is huge for Carson as they move forward as a program.
Boshard told me during our conversation that "we've done a lot of different teaching this offseason so that we can get our kids to buy in because the kids take ownership of any issue we encounter. Last season we had promise but mental mistakes cost us big parts of games."
After losing eight all league performers from last season the Senators will return five starters on the offensive side of the ball where they will continue to operate out of the 11 personnel which utilizes a gap scheme for their run offense while incorporating a "prototypical" spread passing game. Defensively the Senators will welcome back four starters, on a unit that continues to operate out of the 3-3-stack so that they can "pressure, utilize their athleticism and blitz from various spots on the field."
The Senators are focused on 'the process' this season with Coach Boshard stating "the wins will come if we put in the work, and we are 100-percent bought in." Boshard was also quick to point out that the program's core value for this season is 'love.' Boshard said "Love what we do, love each other and focus on getting the intangibles nailed down - we'll be good to go. We must 'love' the process and the results will show for themselves."
The expectations for this year's group of Senators are "to strive for greatness, just cause a senior is in front of you doesn't mean they are a starter." Boshard added "we are inexperienced in a few key spots, [but] we are trying to get through those moments, [we have] seniors that lack varsity reps, [but] we'll get through it."
Coach Boshard continued on stating "we've had a tough stretch the last few years, [we] are in our second year in this classification - the camaraderie of these boys, they are coming together to work as one, they trust the process and have eliminated mental mistakes." Boshard's team motto for this year is "earn it," as he tells his team "Everything we do, we must 'earn it,' the reps in practice will help you win a regional championship. It's no secret we have lacked wins the past half decade, [we] earn every step, learning the process is key."
During the 2010s Carson was a regular participant in the playoffs and regional championship game but has fallen on hard time for the better part of a decade. They hosted a home playoff game last year and I believe that they have the talent to do the same again this season. Only time will tell...
Players to Watch:
WR/LB Ethan Hendee, Senior: Hendee is described by Coach Boshard as "a catalyst of our team, his excitement and competitiveness is unmatched - he's a natural leader, who are kids follow." He is a returning All-League performer for the Senators.
WR/DB/KR Jake Weninger, Senior: Coach Boshard said "Same as Ethan, he is the spark of our team, capable of igniting our team at a moment's notice. He is ready to compete, and very athletic - the team has a feeling that they can accomplish anything with him." He is an excellent athlete that was selected All League last season.
RB/DL Christian Rey, Senior: Rey was an All-League honoree last season who Boshard described as "[Having] an unwavering tenacity to keep moving forward, that [also] inspires our team."
RB/LB Angelo Macias, Senior: Macias is a running back that is very violent, he puts his head down and will run through a brick wall for his brothers. He should be a huge playmaker for the Senators this season.
Also, keep an eye out for WR Angel Ruelas, LB JT Heaton and K/P Drake Hardcastle.
Season Schedule:
Aug. 17 vs. Canyon Springs (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Aug. 23 at Spring Creek
Aug. 31 at Highland (Pocatello, Idaho)
Sep. 6 vs. McQueen
Sep. 13 vs. Douglas
Sep. 20 vs. Hug
Sep. 27 at Wooster
Oct. 4 vs. Galena
Oct. 11 Bye Week
Oct. 18 at North Valleys
Oct. 24 vs. Damonte Ranch
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.
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