He drives Lancers 68 yards in final 1:23 for second straight thrilling win
With only five starters back from a team that lost the Open Division championship game last season, Carlsbad head coach Thadd MacNeal knew there might be some early growing pains for the Lancers.Offered MacNeal, “We have the best quarterback in the country.”In a nip-and-tuck Avocado League battle on Friday night, Sayin, a junior, was the difference in a 16-10 Carlsbad win over Mission Hills. With 16.
The win was Carlsbad’s second in thrilling fashion, beating Mater Dei 36-35 in overtime in its first game. Mission Hills fell to 2-3, 0-2 in league. The Grizzlies have lost back-to-back heartbreakers, falling to La Costa Canyon 13-10 last week. The visitors forced two lost fumbles, an interception and blocked a PAT while not turning the ball over.“They’re always very tough and physical,” said Sayin. “It’s always a battle against them, always.”In the second quarter, two plays after Mission Hills missed a 27-yard field goal, Sayin uncorked a 76-yard touchdown pass to Justin Johnson to tie the game.
“He’s got ice in his veins,” MacNeal said of his quarterback. “He does it over and over again. Him and I on the sideline, we talk like we’re discussing our weekend plans. It’s a discussion of trying to get the right play. And he’s special. That’s all I can say. He’s special.”