Beautiful weather for a matchup that has playoff implications. Kapolei is 0-3 in OIA Blue play and Moanalua is 1-2. Five of the seven division members will qualify for the playoffs, so a win here helps Moanalua’s cause tremendously. For Kapolei, this is almost a must-win situation.
After a treacherous gauntlet of elite competition, this marks the first time this season the Hurricanes are not playing a Top 10 team — though Moanalua is awfully close. Na Menehune stunned then-ranked Waianae on the road to start league play and, even in defeat, has looked formidable. Maybe it’s the work ethic in the still-new weight room. Maybe it’s coach Jason Cauley’s aerial attack. Whatever it is, Moanalua and nice blend of young and experienced assistant coaches could become a destination program for something other than music, AP classes, volleyball, soccer, baseball and more.
JV game just kicked off. The OIA’s recent decision to start games 30 minutes earlier doesn’t take effect until NEXT week.
First quarter
Kickoff in about 3-4 minutes. JV game had several injury time outs.
Game finally begins at 8:51 p.m. Neither team scores in the first. Moanalua surprised with a run-oriented package featuring Rodson Kealohi as the wildcat-style QB. But a big penalty derailed that opening drive.
Second quarter
Moanalua gets on the scoreboard first. The wind and rain stop, regular starting QB Kawika Keama-Jacobe enters and they move the ball downfield. Michael Feliciano scores on a third-down, 10-yard run. MOA 7, KPO 0, 11:25.
Hurricanes drive 80 yards, mostly on the ground, and score on Ronald Matautia’s 3-yard blast. KPO 7, MOA 7, 6:39.
Third quarter
The ‘Canes take the lead on a short drive to open the second half. A personal foul penalty on Moanalua on the kick return set the ‘Canes up nicely. Matautia scores on a 6-yard run, but the PAT kick misses. KPO 13, MOA 7, 9:12.
Moanalua gets a big break with a 54-yard fumble return by Kea Rodriguez for a touchdown. The ballcarrier, Trensten Spragling, appeared to be down on the play, but no whistle was blown and Rodriguez alertly went all the way. MOA 14, KPO 13, 5:35.
Two fumbles lead to two Kapolei touchdowns. Trensten Spragling scores on runs of 11 and 21 yards to give the visiting ‘Canes a 25-14 lead going into the fourth quarter, and the lead holds for Kapolei’s first win of the season.
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