OIA Division II semifinal game at Bino Neves Field (Pearl City).
First quarter
Jordan Taamau found Israel Kaleo for a 9-yard TD pass to give the home team the lead. PC 7, RAD 0, 1:32.
Second quarter
Chance Cacatian runs a unique route, straight from the backfield to the right corner of the end zone, and Andrew Morgan loops a perfect pass to him over two defenders for a 10-yard TD. RAD 7, PC 7, 4:44
The Chargers respond to Radford’s first TD by driving 80 yards in eight plays to the end zone. Taamu has all day to throw and pierces the Radford zone defense with a bullet to M.J. Keopuhiwa in the back of the end zone for a 5-yard TD pass. The first TD was also in the back of the end zone. PAT misses. PC 13, RAD 7, 1:39.
Radford comes right back. After a controversial recovery of an attempted on-side kick, the Rams go 50 yards in three plays, aided by a roughing-the-passer penalty. Morgan connects with Justin Lugo, who makes a diving catch in the left corner of the end zone for a 26-yard TD. Good coverage, just an outstanding effort by Lugo on a nicely thrown ball. Kara Downey’s PAT kick gives the Rams the lead. RAD 14, PC 13, 1:10.
About the on-side kick: it was a surprise. PC lined up in regular kickoff formation and Radford did likewise. The kicker then sent a dribbler straight ahead, and it was about 8 yards downfield when a Radford player appeared to pounce on the ball. He lost the ball, and Pearl City supposedly recovered. But officials ruled that a PC player had touched the ball first.
That didn’t make sense either, since they spotted the ball exactly at the 50-yard line. Once the PC player (supposedly) touched the ball, it’s supposed to be dead. Whatever the case, Radford took full advantage.
Halftime
The Chargers have 142 total yards: 13 carries for 42 rushing yards, and Taamu is 9-for-17, 100 yards and a TD.
The Rams have 173 total yards: 64 yards on 13 carries, including Morgan with 48 yards on six attempts. Morgan is 7-for-16 for 109 yards and a TD.
Third quarter
The Chargers take the lead on a 6-yard swing pass from Taamu to RB Domingo Ishikawa, who races to the pylon and scores. Two-point pass from Taamu to Dominic Maneafaiga on a crossing route is good. PC 21, RAD 14, 7:50.
Another 6-yard TD pass on a swing route, from Taamu to Maneafaiga, bumps the lead to two touchdowns. PC 28, RAD 14, 1:53.
Maneafaiga has become his usual self in this second half, a force by ground and by air. After just three carries for 7 yards in the first half, he now has 58 yards on 14 attempts. He also has two catches for 13 yards in the second half, including the TD.
The openings are there on the left side for Maneafaiga. Only when he tries to run up the middle does Radford stonewall him. Still one of my favorite players to watch.
Fourth quarter
Chargers open the lead big with a 20-yard TD pass from Taamu to big Garrett Kanamu (6-2, 200). He caught the ball near the left sideline around the 15, then broke two tackles on his way to the end zone. PC 35, RAD 14, 11:23.
Rams drive 80 yards in 12 plays, aided by a personal foul and offsides by Pearl City. Lugo catches a quick pass in the slot and outruns two defenders to the pylon for a 10-yard TD. PAT snap is muffed. PC 35, RAD 20, 7:03.
Pearl City nearly botches a shotgun snap, but Taamu recovers. That came after a holding penalty. PC has 161 yards in penalties so far.
Pre-game
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