Mt. Carmel, Carson Set in Opener

There are those who say there is no such thing as a first-game mismatch in high school football.

Mt. Carmel, 1-9 last year, is hopeful.

The Sundevils open their 1992 season tonight (7:30) at home against Carson, ranked No. 1 in the state by Cal Hi Magazine and No. 2 in the nation by USA Today.

“We’re looking forward to it,” Mt. Carmel Coach Doug Kamon said. “Our kids are excited.”

This game is the result of a scheduling conflict with a team from Las Vegas. It left Mt. Carmel with nine games.

Mt. Carmel’s only victory last year was one of San Dieguito’s eight losses, and the Sundevils were outscored for the season, 110-339.

Kamon says his squad is vastly improved. “We have 16 returning starters, and, believe it or not, most of them are juniors.”

One of 14 sophomores to start last year, Marlin Carey rushed for 1,172 yards, the third highest total in the county by an underclassman. Another top returner is tight end Josh Eby, 6-4, 237.

Carson is hungry after last year’s 6-5-1 team failed to make the Los Angeles City Section finals for the first time since 1980. It was also the most losses sustained by a Carson team since 1968.

Twelve starters return, including quarterback Jamie Sander, tight end James Pepe, running back Robert Johnson and lineman Jesse Misaalefua (6-3, 285) and Gamiel Edmerson (6-2, 235). Sanders threw for 1,912 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.