KIPP quarterback Juan Setalsingh has been impressive this season – to say the least – and his team has scored 321 points, largely in part to the man throwing the football.
In Wednesday’s game against Lynn Tech, Setalsingh eclipsed 400 passing yards and totaled six touchdowns, but in more impressive fashion, he surpassed 2,000 passing yards on the season.
During a break in the action, the loudspeaker was heard by everyone in attendance at Manning Field. Setalsingh’s accomplishment drew a cheer from the crowd, and history had been made in front of their very eyes.
A few weeks ago, Setalsingh said he was 500-600 yards away from 2,000, but the drive to reach the accomplishment was only important if his team was winning.
“As long as my team’s winning, the stats come after,” Setalsingh said. “My stats are just an add-on.”
Fast forward a few weeks, and the 2,000-yard box was checked. Whether it was his dime-dropping pass to Morenel Castro down the left sideline, or his calm, cool, and collected approach to spot Vic Mafo for the first touchdown of the game, Setalsingh was in his bag.
KIPP Head Coach Jim Rabbitt was right on the money after the game.
“He doesn’t care about individual stats,” Rabbit said. “It’s a big accomplishment. He’s missed two games due to injury, too.”
The dual-threat quarterback has led the Panthers to one scoring barrage after another since Sept. This past Friday, one could argue, was his most clutch. In a playoff game against No. 3 Oxford, No. 7 KIPP squeaked out a 34-33 win as Setalsingh finished the game with over 300 passing yards and five touchdowns.
Now, he’s on to the Division 8 championship. KIPP takes on No. 1 Hull on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. Hull eliminated the Panthers last season.
As a team leader, Setalsingh knows what needs to be done to come out on top.
“I’m going to keep them calm,” Setalsingh said. “I’m going to be the first one to pick everybody up and I’m going to be the first one to keep them all together.
At Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Setalsingh and company look for their ninth win of the season. As for the man of the hour, the only numbers he’ll care about are the ones on the final scoreboard.
“[Individual] stats to me, it’s cool and all, but it just really doesn’t matter,” Setalsingh said.
