Brandon Carson embarks on first season as head coach

Although new M-P football coach Brandon Carson has been on the Tomahawks sideline for almost six years, his recent promotion has brought him into the spotlight.
Before serving as defensive coordinator in Marysville, Carson spent time as an assistant coach at successful programs in Ferndale and Granite Falls. Interestingly, former M-P head coach and Carsons current offensive line coach Scott Stokes is also a product of the Ferndale system.
But what is Carson really like as a coach?
I think hes a disciplined, no-nonsense, defense-oriented, hard-nosed coach. I like him, obviously, said Stokes.
One thing two of his assistants identify about him is a steady, disciplined personality.
He does have a style that probably emanates from his personality. Hes intense, but hes also approachable, but also he has an air about him that draws a line, a distinct line, said linebacker and quarterback coach Bill Hodgins. (The kids) trust him, they believe in him, but they also know hes not their peer. Hes their coach.
I think kids really like him for good reasons. They respect his consistency and his discipline, Stokes added.
The descriptors are consistent with how Ferndale athletic director and former football coach Vic Randall said he remembers Carson in one of his first coaching jobs at Ferndale High.
Brandon student taught for me, and also during that time he was one of our assistant football coaches. Weve had a very successful program for many, many years and he fit into our program very nicely, Randall said. I would characterize him as a hard worker someone who related well to kids, and someone who was willing to put the necessary time and effort into the game.
While Carson has specialized in defensive schemes in his time at M-P, Randall said he probably received a well-rounded education in Ferndale, where the coaching philosophy is a little different.
How we do it up here, you learn both sides of the ball, offensive and defensive side. We believe thats very important because if youre on one side of the ball, you dont know how the other side thinks, he said.
Hodgins added that one thing he appreciates about coaching under Carson is that he is given direction, but the freedom to do his job.
He is committed to this community and to this school, he said. He is committed to Marysville and the people of this town can be confident that they made a great hire.