1:59 p.m.
Just a minute away from kickoff between Damien and St. Francis. This is a competitive Monarchs team despite players who have transferred out, plus some early-season academic casualties. Syles Choy is a seasoned, solid quarterback.
St. Francis has been hit by injuries. I count 25 suited up in uniform. This is a life lesson for them, this inaugural season in varsity football. If they can make it through this schedule — D-I giants Kamehameha, Punahou and Saint Louis still await — without a forfeit, that’s an achievement in itself. These guys will be competitive against the D-II programs, for the most part, and have lifelong stories to share.
People can debate all they like about whether St. Francis should have undertaken this massive task, but the fact is, their boys are out there trying their best to represent their school. I just wish them well.
2:10 p.m.
Taylor Wong-Monette just ran off right tackle for an 86-yard touchdown to give the Saints the lead. Quarterback Ranan Mamiya’s run on the 2-point try makes it 8-0 with 8:38 left in the first quarter. This came after St. Francis stopped Damien for a three-and-out to start the game.
2:16 p.m.
Sean Fernandez, who is listed as a center, picked off a pass by Choy deep in the secondary. Saints’ ball at their own 27-yard line.
2:48 p.m.
Fullback Edwin Auma caps a long Damien march with a 3-yard yard up the middle for a touchdown. The PAT kick was low. St. Francis still leads 8-6 with 6:58 left in the first half.
3:00 p.m.
Auma scores on a 1-yard blast as injuries begin to mount for St. Francis. Damien now leads 13-8 with 3:32 left in the first half.
3:10 p.m.
Monarchs pulling away. Choy hits Kealii Kaanapu for a 22-yard touchdown pass on a perfect corner route (double coverage). Damien leads 20-8 with 1:12 left in the half.
3:47 p.m.
Ranan Mamiya scores on a 13-yard keeper to bring the Saints within 20-14 with 9:04 to go in the third quarter. He had a long run earlier in the drive, and as it was in the first quarter, St. Francis looks a bit crisper and fresher than the Monarchs.
4:07 p.m.
Aumua, who wore #43 in the first half, is now wearing #56. He’s scoring touchdowns just the same. He just ran it in from 17 yards out to give Damien a 27-14 lead with less than 4 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
4:32 p.m.
11-yard touchdown pass on a rollout from Choy to Trevor Caspillo. Damien leads 34-14 with 5:39 left.
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