8/19/2014

Football Tour II


Carmel (11-1, 7-0)
 The Padres are stacked with two-time all-league quarterback Connor Marden, who threw for nearly 2,800 yards and rushed for over 1,000 last fall.
 There are no shortage of targets for Marden, as receivers John Stivers and William Kehoe combined for 93 catches and over 1,500 receiving yards.
 "Expectations are the same every year,'' said Marden, who totaled 40 touchdowns last year. "It's not about stats. It's about scoring touchdowns."
 Yet, where I believe Carmel has improved the most is on defense. Seven starters are back from last year's unit, anchored by linebackers Robby Treadwell and Andres Enriquez.
 While everyone talks about the 77 points Carmel gave up in the playoffs to rival Pacific Grove, this is a unit that allowed 20 or fewer points in six games, including 10 to Palma.
 Do the Padres have concerns? Sure. Who fills the shoes of three-time 1,000 yard back Holden Smith.
 The Padres have a rugged non-league schedule with Gabilan Division champion Palma, perennial Division I playoff regular Salinas and Pacific Division favorite Christopher.
 Those are three physical teams.
 The reigning six-time Mission Trail Athletic League champions have won 33 straight league games.
 I anticipate Carmel stretching that to 40 before the season is up.

 Check The Herald's website for an interview with Carmel High coach Golden Anderson.

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