Photo Credit: Nicole Noel Photography
Justin Johnson intercepted KJ Chatham's pass and returned it 47 yards to the end zone, giving Carlsbad what appeared to be a commanding 21-6 lead with 11:46 left to play.
While some players may have folded after a significant error, Chatham responded by throwing touchdown passes on his next three drives, leading the Hornets to a 28-24 comeback victory for the first Open Division Championship at Snapdragon Stadium.
On the opening play from scrimmage, Mason Walsh set the tone for the Lancers with a 74-yard touchdown run. Rod Robinson II scored later in the first quarter, but a missed extra point kept the Lancers ahead 7-6 with 4:57 remaining.
Walsh's second score of the game was set up by another lengthy run, giving Carlsbad a 14-6 lead at the half.
After Johnson's pick-six early in the fourth quarter increased the Lancers' lead to 21-6, Chatham found Josiah Cox, who made a tough grab in the corner of the endzone to trim the lead to 21-13.
After another long run by Walsh was stopped near the goal line by Chris White, Carlsbad was forced to settle for a 31-yard field goal by Tyler Prasuhn to make the score 24-13.
Chatham struck again on the first play of the ensuing drive, this time to Mahki Gray who burned the Lancers' defense for a 75-yard catch and run to the end zone. With 6:02 remaining, Raylon Logan's two-point conversion catch from Chatham made it 24-21.
Chatham connected with Corey Thompson-Miller, who broke away from numerous defenders on his way to a 65-yard touchdown that sealed the Hornets' first Open Division title in program history.
Walsh finished with 15 carries for 202 yards and two scores for the Lancers. On 24 carries, Robinson II rushed for 121 yards and a touchdown. With two sacks, Chris Fewell led a strong defensive performance that helped sparked Lincoln's rally.
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