Traffic was brutal from Honolulu to the Leeward side, but it’s always beautiful here. Hot, no breeze, but lots of blue sky. Those of us who left town at 3 p.m. or so didn’t get here until about 4:45. That’s about as long as it takes to drive from Kona to Hilo, give or take 15 minutes.
The JV game is not starting at 5 p.m., which we were told was going to be the case starting with this weekend. Instead, it’s going to be a 5:30 p.m. kickoff. Not sure why; I’ll find out soon enough. Varsity will probably kick off around 8:30 p.m., like usual. Or later.
JV final: Campbell 20, Kapolei 14.
First quarter
The quarter ends without any scoring. Kapolei fumbled on the opening kickoff, but Kapolei went three and out and has punted twice so far. So has Campbell. Hurricanes driving nice and slow, ball past midfield as the second quarter begins.
Second quarter
The Hurricanes draw first blood. Defensive back Malik Smith’s interception and long return sets up a 31-yard bomb from Alton Julius to Ty-Noah Williams. PAT kick misses. KPO 6, CAM 0, 6:01.
The Hurricanes got a second pick, this one by Tristan Centeio, and drove to the 3-yard line in the final minute of the half. Campbell’s defense stiffened, stopping running back Ronald Matautia at the 1-yard line. After Kapolei’s final time out with 26 seconds left, the Sabers stuffed Julius’ sneak attempt on third down and again on fourth down as time ran out.
Third quarter
Big boo-boo by the Sabers. High, looping snap in punt formation leads to a Kapolei sack. The Hurricanes get the ball on the Campbell 15-yard line, Campbell jumps offsides twice before Trensten Spragling springs into the end zone for a 5-yard TD run. KPO 13, CAM 0, early third quarter.
Campbell’s offense comes to life, an 80-yard march in seven plays. Jayce Bantolina turns a quick pass from Ezra Savea into a 13-yard touchdown. KPO 13, KPO 7, 8:09.
Bryson Hughes came up with Kapolei’s third pick of Savea, but the ‘Canes ensuing drive stalled at the Campbell 13-yard line.
BREAKDOWN: Campbell gets the ball back with 2:02 left and scores. Savea to Bantolina for a 75-yard bomb to tie it with 57 seconds to play. Bantolina flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct as he scored, pushing the ball back 15 yards on the PAT. Kona Reiny-Aloy’s 28-yard extra point kick is good. CAM 14, KPO 13, :57.
‘Canes drive to Campbell’s 15-yard line, but Julius’ pass into the end zone is picked off by Austin Faga with 8 seconds left. Campbell wins 14-13.
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