No. 9-ranked ‘Iolani had two games left in the regular season, a chance to clinch a state berth by winning both.
Leilehua had different ideas. The eighth-ranked Mules edged ‘Iolani 28-25 on Saturday night at Aloha Stadium. The loss means ‘Iolani falls into a tie with Damien in the ILH D-I standings. ‘Iolani (7-2, 5-2) will play at Castle next week. Damien (7-2, 5-2), which overpowered Aiea 48-0 on Friday, will play unbeaten OIA D-I leader Moanalua at Aloha Stadium next week.
Earlier in the week, Damien coach Eddie Klaneski had joked — half seriously, of course — that his team needed an assist from Leilehua. There won’t be a thank-you card in the mail, but the sentiment is there.
“We are really excited about our opportunity that has been presented to us. We couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to make amends,” said Klaneski, whose team lost to ‘Iolani 38-21 on Sept. 20. If Damien and ‘Iolani finish the regular season in a tie, they will meet for the ILH title.
“We are now back in control of our own destiny,” Klaneski said.
Moanalua going Win
I thought if you’re ejected from a game you shouldn’t be on the sideline with your teammates but in the locker room away from the team. Jake Holts on the sidelines when during his 1 game suspension and also basketball state championship Boogie ejected sitting on the bench. Seems to me all this Catholic Damien players get anger issues. Come on officials enforce the rules!
If they end up playing each other in a tie breaker then that’ll be an awesome game. Super exciting for Iolani and Damien to compete for ILH pride and obviously to become the sole team from the ILH to enter the State tournament.
And John Ishikawa: If you’re referring to Moanalua winning it all, most likely that’ll happen. They seem to have everything clicking for them. To be honest I’m kind of worried but also excited to see how Hilo can do against these Oahu teams in the playoffs. They could sneak up out of nowhere. But I hope my Mules can take it all! Maybe a rematch against them and Moanalua could have a different outcome, but maybe not. That’s why we play the game! So many teams from the Division 1 have a chance to win it all. But I agree with you in the fact that Moanalua is looking like they SHOULD win it all in Division 1. But goodluck to all these teams across the State and good luck to you my friend in whatever you do. Go Mules!