Carlson heads into the 2017 season with a new outlook and a new coach. The Marauders, who haven’t qualified for the playoffs since 2009 hired Jack Giarmo as their new coach in the late fall. The last time Giarmo coached was in 2014 when he guided SMCC to the Division 6 State Championship.
On offense, Carlson will run Giarmo’s Straight T offense. The QB will be senior Jaylan Franklin, who has committed to the University of Wisconsin. Giarmo’s system usually employs three RB’s equally and senior Jacob Shoemaker, senior Steph Sanders and junior Brandon Stewart should all get a lot of carries. Seniors Rommel Duran and Austin Sexton will anchor the offensive line. Senior Malik Ford will be a player to watch at multiple positions on offense.
On defense, the Marauders are led by senior LB Jacob Simons and sophomore Ian Stewart. Jacob Browne will play defensive line while senior Tyler Coons will contribute in the secondary. Franklin will be asked to play defense at times and has been getting reps at free safety.
This is year one for Giarmo at Carlson and too much should not be expected as his offense relies on physicality, timing and discipline. Carlson will get better each and every week and will be a team that nobody will like to play because of their speed and athleticism.
Chris’s Picks: Downriver 6-3, Overall 6-3
Gary’s Picks: Downriver 6-3, Overall 6-3