They used to call him automatic, now they'll have to call him clutch.

Matt Sai rebounded from two missed field goals and a missed a PAT to kick the game-winning extra point in the Cougars’ 20-19 win over Kahuku Friday night.

“After I missed those two field goals and that one PAT and we got the chance to win the game with my PAT, I knew I couldn’t miss it,” Sai exclaimed after the game. “I treated it like I was in practice; just no one out there, just by myself. When that thing when through I celebrated with my team.”

The senior kicker’s first miss came on a 24-yard attempt early in the second quarter. The snap was high resulting in Sai’s kick having a trajectory like a basketball shot. He also missed on a 25-yard attempt and had a PAT attempt sail wide left in the same period.

Although that was seven points off the board, the Kaiser defense remained relentless, forcing seven Kahuku turnovers. The Red Raiders’ final turnover of the night came with 1:59 remaining in the regulation. Kaiser was able to capitalize on the miscue with a 10-play drive capped by a Kalawaia Judd one-yard touchdown run. Sai’s PAT made it 20-19 with 15.9 left on the clock. 

“Our defense did amazing tonight. After all my mistakes, they’re the ones who brought us back. I don’t know what we would have done without them tonight.

They won the game for us,” Sai said crediting the defense.

Sai’s efforts in the game currently have him at 97 points in his career. He has converted on 79 extra points and six field goals. 

“This win is in my top two (wins). Winning the state championship last year was pretty amazing, making that field goal in the game, (but) beating Kahuku, that’s like a dream come true,” said Sai.