Carthage needs pieces to fall into right spots

CARTHAGE- With six starters returning on offense and seven on defense, Carthage coach Sam Millich is guardedly optimistic that his club can contend for a Class A National and even a Section 3 title.

But several things need to happen for the Comets to move back into the top echelon of Class A.

Senior quarterback Dan Conlin, in his first year starting, must have a solid and mistake-free year directing the offense as did his predecessor, Nick Piroli, last season. He is an outstanding athlete, but Millich isn't quite sure how Conlin will respond under fire.

Running back Josh Britton, a tough inside runner at 6-foot-2, 218 pounds, must have a big season carrying the ball and is also one of the Comets' top receivers out of the backfield. Britton ran for 13 touchdowns a year ago.

Veteran Will Hammond will anchor both lines, and Carthage also has another huge weapon in consistent kicker Ian Ates.

Millich said the Comets' defense "needs to get better in a hurry" and he's also looking for some of his experienced players to take more of a leadership role for a bunch of inexperienced hands.

A huge end-of-the-season win over rival Indian River last season showed the Comets' potential. Millich is hoping the good vibes from that victory will carry over to the early part of this season.

CARTHAGE COMETS

2010 record:5-3 overall, 2-3 Class A National

Coach:Sam Millich (12th year, 59-38).

Players to watch:Josh Britton (Sr. , RB/LB, 112-569, 13 TD); Ian Ates (Sr., K, DB); Will Hammond (Sr., OL/DL); Adam Yates (Sr., RB/LB); Dan Conlin (Sr., QB/DB); Jerome Peterson (Sr., DE); Austin Halbleib (Sr., RB/LB); Matt Rogers (Sr., FL/LB); Trevor Gibbons (So., OL/DL); Shawn Madison (Sr/, C/LB).