NSN: 2026 Prep football preview

Prep football preview: Carson aims to build off strong 2025 season with regional title run
by Zack Larsen
https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/prep-football-preview-carson-aims-to-build-off-strong-2025-season-with-regional-title-run

With high school football beginning this month, we're previewing each Northern 5A and 4A team. Today's team: Carson High School.

Carson

Mascot: Senators

Colors: Blue and white

League: 4A North
Last season: 6-5 overall, 4-1 league (second out of six teams in the 4A North)

Coach: Steven Nelms (second season, 6-5 overall, 4-1 league)

Season overview
All-region players lost: OL Daniel Rivera (4A North Offensive Lineman of the Year), QB Tyler Silsby, RB/OLB Johnathan Alvarado, RB/MLB Justin Gonzalez, WR Zack Eaton, WR Riley Loff, TE/MLB Ethan Linehan, T/NG Joseph Madera, OLB/WR Brayden Welch, DE Nicholas Heald, OLB Ean Thomas, OLB/Ezekiel Keechler, CB/WR Shane Robinson

Returning all-region players: OG/NG Canyon Frantz, G/DT Joseph Martinez, C/NG Johnny Avina, K/OT/DE/DT Cesar Pacheco, P/DE Elijah Larry, DE/NG Rudy Sheeketski, S/WR Matthew Manley, CB/WR Cruz Gonzales, MLB/TE Nicholas Alvarado

In short: Under first-year head coach Steve Nelms, Carson had an impressive season. Nelms was the 4A North Coach of the Year after a 4-1 league record. The Senators' only regular-season league loss came to eventual champions McQueen, although Carson fell in the regional semifinals to Reno. The Senators had five all-region selections on its offensive line, with three of those players returning to form a strong group in the trenches. Junior Dylan Loff will take over as quarterback after being called up from the JV squad midseason. On defense, the team returns eight players who saw significant snaps last season, including leading tackler Nicholas Alvarado. Around him will be returning all-region starters DL Elijah Larry and DB Matthew Manley, who will be big contributors this season. Nelms says he looking for this group to take step forward this season. So, look for the Senators to do just that and compete for a regional title.

Players to watch
* QB Dylan Loff: As a sophomore, Loff played in three varsity games last season. He completed 10-of-17 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. He stands tall at 6-foot-4, and Nelms has been impressed by his leadership and growth this offseason. The Senators didn't pass the ball a ton last year, but that could change with Loff under center this season.

* RB/OLB Eli Gonzalez: After suffering a collarbone injury to begin last season, Gonzalez is primed to be the team's lead back. In three games, he had seven carries for 58 yards and a touchdown. He also had two tackles for loss as a linebacker. He's just 5-foot-5, but Nelms said Gonzalez can run a lot more violent than he looks and is very shifty on offense.

* MLB/TE Nicholas Alvarado: Alvarado had a monster junior year for the Senators. He led the team with 95 tackles, including eight loss, to earn first-team all-region honors. He also had two sacks and an interception. He'll be one of the top defensive players in the 4A this season while also seeing time as a tight end.

Quote to note
"I wouldn't say we have a chip on our shoulder, but I think we're eager to go out there, prove it and take a step forward from last year. For a second-year head coach, for all the guys in Carson to have another year of the process under your belt, we're not learning a brand-new offense or defense. We're able to start a little farther in advance than we were last season. Now it's just fine-tuning all the little details." — Carson head coach Steven Nelms

Schedule
Aug. 14: vs. Dayton

Aug. 22: vs. Spanish Springs

Aug. 28: vs. Damonte Ranch

Sept. 11: vs. Douglas

Sept. 18: at Reed

Sept. 25: vs. North Valleys

Oct. 2: at Hug

Oct. 16: vs. Galena

Oct. 29: at Wooster