Carson hosts McQueen for scrimmage today

Carson High officially kicks off the 2011 season with a scrimmage against an old nemesis, the McQueen Lancers, today at Carson High School.

The JV and freshman squads get action under way at 8:30 a.m., while the varsity squads tangle at 10.

McQueen knocked off Carson 34-14 last year in the regional finals, which enabled McQueen to advance to the state's Final Four. The Lancers lost to Bishop Gorman in the state finals.

Carson compiled a 10-2 overall record and has won or shared the last two 4A championships. In 2009, Carson won the Sierra League title and in the realigned 4A last season, shared the regular-season title with both Reed and McQueen.

Dylan Sawyers, Carson's standout running back, has been cleared for contact following off-season surgery but won't play in the scrimmage according to the CHS coaching staff. He is expected to make his 2011 debut on Sept. 3 against Highland High School of Pocatello, Idaho.

The Senators will have a new starting quarterback, as Chance Quilling and Matt Nolan are battling for the starting job. Quilling, who has a strong arm, had the edge coming out of spring ball.

Carson has to fill some holes on the offensive front, as Jake Meyers is the only returning full-time starter. Some of those questions will be answered today.