First quarter
KS-Hawaii throws a pick on the opening drive. Returned by Isaiah Biga-Rogers about 30 yards to the KSH 15-yard line. Two plays later, Jared Rocha-Islas scored on a 5-yard run. LAH 7, KSH 0, 11:02.
Another KSH turnover by interception, with Tyran Puu Palea returning it seven yards to the Lunas 47-yard line. It’s an 11-play drive with Rocha-Islas nailing a 26-yard FG. LAH 10, KSH 0, 5:42.
A diving pick by Palea gives the Lunas the ball near midfield. Three plays later, Sione Filikitonga-Lukela scores on a 14-yard QB keeper up the middle. LAH 17, KSH 0, 3:34,
Second quarter
Bad snap on KSH’s punt, forces the punter into a 21-yard punt, but LAH’s field position is fair at best, starting at its 27. Lunas drive 73 yards in eight plays. Rocha-Islas scores on a 5-yard run to the left. LAH 24, KSH 0, 11:55.
The Warriors’ first series without a turnover ends with a TD. Micah Kanehailua hits Kainalu Whitney for an 11-yard strike down the left sideline. LAH 24, KSH 7, 9:42.
Filikitonga-Lukela hits back-to-back 42-yard passes. The first is a screen pass to Rocha-Islas. The second is a long loft to Josten Sariby, who got behind the coverage and caught a ball that hung up there for a long time. LAH 31, KSH 7, 8:15.
Filikitonga-Lukela intercepts a long pass, much like a Hail Mary, and weaves through Warriors between the hash marks for a 65-yard TD return. LAH 38, KSH 7, 7:35.
Rocha-Islas scores his third touchdown, a 6-yard run, after KSH loses the ball on downs at its 23-yard line. That defensive stand was capped by a 14-yard sack by Nau Filiai. LAH 45, KSH 7, 5:08.
Halftime
Rocha-Islas has been as strong and fast as expected. He’s got 73 yards on 11 carries with three TDs. I imagine they’ll keep him off the field since he’s been injury prone this year and the lead is large. Filikitonga-Lukela has 65 rushing yards on six carries (one TD)
Third quarter
After four KSH penalties on the opening kickoff, the Lunas eventually drive 32 yards and score on Filikitonga-Lukela’s 5-yard keeper up the gut. LAH 52, KSH 7, 8:35.
Fourth quarter
Lunas empty the bench, reserves doing the work now as the mercy-rule clock speeds down. As expected, Rocha-Islas didn’t play in the second half. Coach Garrett Tihada noted that the stellar RB had finished just two games all season, so this was a perfect scenario for him and his teammates.
Pre-game
Kamehameha-Hawaii (8-2) vs. No. 1 seed Lahainaluna (9-0).
This Division II semifinal will kick off at 6 p.m. in classic, rustic and beautiful War Memorial Stadium. The HHSAA spoiled us at Aloha Stadium last week, providing statistics to us. Over here, I’m back on my own with stats, play-by-play and video, so I’ll try to blog here as often as possible — may series-by-series.
Temperature here is 85 degrees, but the sun is dropping over Iao Valley and the West Maui Mountains. Very nice weather, blue skies and no threat of rain.
UPDATE, 5:58 p.m.
Lahainaluna won the toss and has chosen to defer until the second half. KSH will receive the opening kickoff. There was a moment of silence for former MIL executive director Stephen Kim, who recently passed away.
The long-timers up here in the press box say this is a disappointing Lunas home crowd. One reason might be the big “I Love Lahaina” Festival that’s ongoing all night.
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