Jet Toner’s 48-yard field goal sailed through the middle of the uprights, catapulting him into Hawaii high school football lore.
The winning boot with 30 seconds left along with his tying 35-yarder earlier in the fourth quarter gave No. 1 Punahou a dramatic 13-10 victory over No. 2 Kahuku in the state Division I semifinals at Aloha Stadium on Saturday night.
“It was just like every other rep we’ve had,” Toner said a minute after Kanawai Noa’s interception with the Red Raiders (9-3) driving sealed the victory for the Buffanblu (8-0). “We’ve done it a thousand times. I was confident and I was confident in my holder and snapper. The offense put me in a great place.
“Oh yeah, I’m pumped (about going to the final next Friday at Aloha Stadium, where the Buffanblu will defend their title against Mililani, the team they defeated 28-22 in the championship game a year ago). We’ll be going up against a great team and our special teams need to be strong.”
Wow! Good game boys! A lot was said about being dominated in this game. But you all showed them otherwise. Tuli, Sala, Pena, Alohi, Soli, Roman, Malcolm and the rest of you seniors, you all played one hell of a game. Very proud of you boys! Keep working hard no matter what you do in the future to come. All heart and determination is what makes Kahuku football a dominating force and you showed it tonight. For those underclassmen, we look forward to next year. Go BIG Red!! RR4Life!!
alot of heart on the field. Refs so bad.
Was a tough one to swallow. That was the red raiders game and with a little help (no help) from the zebras, some poor play calling and a tough opponent, we will be watching the state title game (or not). Great job defense, let’s work on our offense, and mahalo for an awesome and eventful year. Good luck to all the seniors and go BIG RED. Good luck to the north shore boys next week.
Thank you Punahou for a great game and great display of fan support, wow, the game was awesome and the battle of cheers was awesome. Kahuku seniors you are up there with all the other legacy of Red Raider alumni that played with heart and soul. We be back next year!
RR4L
What a great game, two defenses playing lights out, too bad neither of the offenses could really take off, nonetheless these young men showed tremendous, heart and class. Congratulations to both teams for a well played game.