Carson has survived early trials

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The early suspension of starting quarterback Dominique Blackman for violating team rules could have seriously damaged, if not totally wrecked, this season for Carson.

But the Colts have come out of their 2007 nonleague schedule with a 3-2 record. Blackman has resumed as starter, and that’s why the Colts have confidence going into their Marine League opener Friday against undefeated Narbonne (5-0).

‘He has settled down,’ Coach Michael Christensen said of Blackman (pictured right against San Pedro in 2006). ‘He’s making good decisions and taking care of the ball. The off-the-field stuff is not so much an issue as is getting him caught up football-wise.’

Christensen will also use the Narbonne game, and next week’s San Pedro game, as a gauge on how difficult Carson’s nonleague schedule should or should not be in the future.

‘This is a game to show if it’s worth having the hard schedule,’ said Christensen, whose team has played Long Beach Poly, Redlands and Aurora (Colo.) Grandview. ‘This year, we chose the tough schedule. We got to see a lot of different teams and play in tough venues.

‘If we can win those first two league games, I think we’d be in great shape. If we split, that would be fine. I don’t want to lose two. But Narbonne is pretty good, and San Pedro has had our number lately.’

- Mike Terry

-- Image by Lori Shepler/Los Angeles Times