The Carbon Dinos ended up on the wrong side of the scoreboard with a 38-7 loss to the Payson Lions in the first road contest of the season Friday night in Payson.
Showing obvious signs of improvement from the defensive secondary, the Dinos struggled to move the football throughout the contest.
Trailing 28-0 late in the second half, Carbon scored on a goal line run from full back Collin Lewis. The offense was held to just 102 yards throughout the game, 40 of which came on the lone scoring drive.
“We’ve got to sure things up offensively. We’ve got to block better on the 30-degree angle, kick-out a little bit better and tuck it up in the hole,” said head coach Josh Huntsman. “I felt like we had opportunities that we just didn’t take advantage of tonight.”
Ryker Larsen led the Carbon offense in rushing for the second straight week, tallying 50 yards on eight carries. Lewis finished with 20 yards on six attempts, while Ridic Migliori logged 21 yards.
A week after giving up four touchdown passes to Manti, the Dinos limited Payson signal caller Hank Bowers to just 72 yards and no touchdowns through the air. While the Lions’ passing game was contained, the rushing attack proved to be the difference maker.
Payson senior Harrison Judd carried the load by rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns off of 14 carries. Braxton Perez carried out the one-two punch with 83 yards on seven carries and a score.
“Our goal defensively was to keep Payson under 100 yards passing,” said Huntsman. “We’ve got to get the linebackers in sync. We need to get the blitz package put together a little bit better, the stunt package together with our defensive line and we will be just fine.”
Now 0-2 on the season Carbon will next meet the Duchesne Eagles in the final home non-region tilt of the season. After falling to American Leadership in the season opener, the Eagles topped North Summit 32-7 Friday night at home.
Live coverage of Friday’s home game will begin on KRPX 95.3 The Peak at 6:30 p.m.. Kick-off will follow shortly after at 7:00.
Listen to coach Josh Huntsman’s complete post game interview below: