LIHUE – The Kaua’i Raiders had their only productive drive of the game on their very first possession, but it was enough to edge the Kapa’a Warriors 7-6 Friday in another turnover-marred Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation game at Vidinha Stadium. Raider
LIHUE – The Kaua’i Raiders had their only productive drive of the game on their very first possession, but it was enough to edge the Kapa’a Warriors 7-6 Friday in another turnover-marred Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation game at Vidinha Stadium.
Raider quarterback Kekoa Crowell’s 19-yard TD pass to Justin Arakaki was enough to give the Raiders the win, despite the team’s five turnovers and five penalties.
What proved to be the deciding point was Raym Jerves’ field goal kick to give the Raiders a 7-0 lead. The Warriors’ potential tying touchdown came in the third quarter, after linebacker Andrew Baltazar picked up a Raider fumble and ran it back 20-yards for a touchdown. But a bad snap on the Warriors’ extra-point attempt left the Warriors with a one point deficit, and it proved to be the difference in a game of turnovers and sputtering offenses.
In total, there were nine turnovers – six interceptions and three fumbles.
Kapa’a QB Dustin Mundon completed 3 of 10 passes for 81 yards and four interceptions.
Kaua’i’s Kekoa Crowell, who was sidelined with injury in the second half, completed 3 of 9 passes for 40 yards and threw two interceptions. The Raiders also committed three fumbles.
Raider Devan Koerte amassed the only productive rushing yardage of any running back in the game, gaining 56 yards on 12 carries.
A total of 13 sacks – six for the Raiders and seven for the Warriors, capped a frightful evening for the game’s quarterbacks.
Jerrick Amaki, Kaupili Akau (2), Steven Javinar and Rejis Canales were among the Raiders who recorded sacks. Justin Teves (3), Rayton Bonilla, Gabe Sarsona (2) and Trevor Espina accounted for the Warriors’ seven sacks.
Kevin Cadiente ran the game’s opening kick-off return 54 yards to put the Raiders in good field possession. Koerte chipped in 23 yards on two carries to bring Kaua’i within the red-zone, and Crowell would finish the drive with a 19-yard TD pass to wide receiver Justin Arakaki.
Turnovers and penalties riddled the remainder of the game.
Raider DB Levi Fajardo picked off Mundon twice. Canales and Arakaki each had one interception apiece.
Nalu Hawelu also had two picks, both off Crowell passes, and the Warriors would pick up three Raider fumbles, including the one Andy Baltazar picked up and returned for a 25-yard touchdown. But Kapa’a couldn’t get its offense to capitalize, and the extra-point they couldn’t pick up on their only touchdown proved to be the difference in a game they lost 7-6.
