CARLSBAD’S NORWOOD ENJOYS PLAYING AGAIN

After having his junior year shortened by a labrum injury in his left shoulder during the 2019 season, Mazlo Norwood is like most football players in the San Diego Section.

He’s just happy to be playing again. Especially with the way this coronavirus-shortened season is now unfolding.

He rushed for 137 yards and scored two touchdowns Friday night as Carlsbad High rolled on with a 30-12 win at rival Oceanside.

Now 3-0 overall and 3-0 in Avocado League play, the Lancers came into the game outscoring their first two opponents by a huge 91-9 margin. But facing Oceanside is different. “We were not sharp, but we were businesslike, which is how you have to play Oceanside,” Carlsbad coach Thadd Macneal said. “The first two games, we were sharp. We weren’t tonight. Hey, I’m happy with a 1-0 win over them.”

Carlsbad, which is ranked No. 2 in the section behind Cathedral Catholic, needed a 10-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Aidan Sayin to Barrett Brennan with 2:55 to play to clinch the win.

This was the Lancers’ fourth consecutive victory over the Pirates, who are now 0-3, 0-3 this season.

“It is always a battle here with them,” Norwood said. “The game plan was to run the ball and attack their DBS.

“But we were able to run the ball pretty well.”

With 229 rushing yards, Carlsbad never trailed.

Holding a 7-6 lead, the Lancers recorded a third-quarter safety that was turned into a 16-6 lead a minute later with a touchdown.

Before the quarter was over, Norwood scored his second touchdown on a 32-yard run in the final minute.

“You have to play hard-nosed football against Oceanside, which we can do,” Norwood said. “Oceanside always give us a fight.”

Senior running back Kavika Tua caught a TD pass and rushed for Oceanside’s other touchdown.