Kamehameha-‘Iolani: Wild and bizarre

They chased and chased and chased. Once in awhile, they got him. Three sacks of the highly elusive scrambler. But Foy, like many other ‘Iolani quarterbacks before him, never gave up. That’s why, down 35-21 in the second half, the Raiders never conceded.

That’s why, with the ball at the Kamehameha 38-yard line and 52 seconds to play, it wasn’t out of the question that ‘Iolani could — or would — score and rally from a 42-34 deficit.

That’s why a lot of fans can feel for the Raiders and Foy after a mental lapse in the final seconds left the men in black (and white) without even a Hail Mary hoist as the clock ran out.

From a fan’s perspective, it was classic ‘Iolani football. They didn’t have the size or depth to dominate defensively, but they were right there at 21-all by intermission. Here’s a look back:

• Kamehameha’s opening series ends with a punt. Then, on an ‘Iolani punt, the return is muffed and Max Look recovers for the Raiders at the Kamehameha 11. Four plays later, one third and 13, Foy hits Tanner Nishioka in the corner for a 14-yard touchdown. ‘Iolani 7, Kamehameha 0, 6:13 left in the first quarter.

• Kamehameha stays in the Power I and goes four-and-out. After forcing ‘Iolani to punt, the Warriors enter the second quarter back in their usual Pistol sets.  Result: 10-play drive, 80 yards and a 13-yard touchdown pass from Makoa Camanse-Stevens to wide receiver (and backup QB) Nephi Stevens. 7-all, 10:00 left, second quarter.

• Here’s where the Raiders started to look unstoppable. They drove on the next series, 80 yards in just six plays, aided by a 15-yard facemask penalty by the Warriors. Foy scrambled right for a 5-yard touchdown, and after a blocked PAT, the Raiders led 13-7 with 8:27 left in the second quarter.

• This is where the game starts to resemble basketball. Or Arena Football. The Warriors stick with the Pistol, Camanse-Stevens connected with four different receivers, including Kaulana Werner on a 12-yard touchdown, and pulled ahead 14-13 with 3:59 left in the half.

• The Raiders got a 42-yard kick return by Look, then need only four plays to drive 48 yards to the end zone. Foy fires a strike to Nishioka on a slant and the visitors lead 21-14 with 2:34 remaining in the half.

• Kamehameha drove and scored again in just 63 seconds. Camanse-Stevens’ 27-yard toss to Austin Gerard eats up a chunk of territory, and Kaulana Apelu scores easily from 5-yards out on a blast up the gut. The game is tied at 21 with 1:31 left in the half.

• Kamehameha needed just three plays from scrimmage on its first series of the second half to take the lead. Camanse-Stevens hits Gerard again, this time for a 39-yard gain, and Apelu scores from 4 yards out for a 28-21 lead with 8:42 to go in the third.

• ‘Iolani then returned the gift it received in the first quarter, sending a bad snap over Foy’s head. Calen Holt recovered at the 4-yard line, and Camanse-Stevens scored on a 3-yard keeper for a 35-21 lead with 6:52 to go in the third. Kamehameha’s senior-night crowd relaxed for a moment.

• ‘Iolani responded with a seven-play, 74-yard drive, aided by a Warriors personal foul. Foy’s 34-yard bomb to Nishioka cut the lead to 35-28 with 3:41 to go.

Then came a defensive battle until the final 2 minutes, and ‘Iolani’s near-miraculous comeback.

Paul Honda, Star-Advertiser