HANAPEPE — The Warriors weren’t able to find an answer for Waimea’s Kenny Estes, who dominated the Menehune ground attack for two scores (80 & 32), which put Waimea up early and for good in a 14-6 win over Kapa’a
HANAPEPE — The Warriors weren’t able to find an answer for Waimea’s Kenny Estes, who dominated the Menehune ground attack for two scores (80 & 32), which put Waimea up early and for good in a 14-6 win over Kapa’a last night at Hanapepe Stadium.
The senior tailback’s first touch-down was the first of the regular season for Waimea, who put the most points on the board so far this season by a KIF school.
With the win, Waimea moved to 2-1 and kept pace with Kaua’i (2-0). The Warriors fell to 0-3.
Estes gathered 146 yards on nine carries on the evening. Oni Schmidt carried the ball 14 times for 52 yards.
Kapa’a’s Travis Nakamura eclipsed the 100 yard mark on 20 rushes to lead the Warriors.
Kapa’a squandered chances away throughout the game, but its defense kept the contest close. Early in the first quarter, Greg Ragsac’s score was called back due to a holding call.
Then the Warriors missed a short field goal, which would’ve gave them the early lead. The Warriors were also 1-3 in the red zone and couldn’t convert on their third down plays.
Waylan Kupihea came in for relief of quarterback Coty Salausa and the senior drove the Warriors down the field for their first score of the contest, a 9-yard TD pass to Evan Lotu (kick failed).
Defensively, the Menehune were led by Julio Flores (2 sacks), Markis Carveiro (sack), Bryson Vea (fumble recovery), Nash Danley, and Mackey Dela Cruz.
Elijah Ragsac and Kahai Nakano led the Kapa’a attack with a fumble recovery apiece.
Sarsona lifts Kapa’a to 26-14 JV win
Caleb Sarsona started the scoring off for the Warriors on a 92-yard jolt to the endzone and continued to haunt Menehune defenders through-out the contest with hard running and shake and bake moves.
Sarsona notched his second TD of the first half on a shorter run of two yards, which handed Kapa’a the 13-7 lead (Ian Lactaotao PAT), but the Menehune struck back just a few seconds later, as Jayrald Watanabe caught a 66 yard TD pass (Kelly Batis PAT) from Kalen Fleming.
The long play gave Waimea the halftime lead at 14-13. Earlier in the half, Fleming scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak (Batis PAT).
The only score in the third came from a 19 yard TD connection, as Chavis Kupihea connected with Joseph Velasco for the six points (PAT blocked). The touchdown enabled Kapa’a to take back the lead at 19-14. Kupihea hooked up with Michael Almadova on a 39-yard TD connection (Lactaotao PAT) with just under six minutes to go in the contest, which made the final, 26-14. The Warriors improved to 1-1-1 and the Menehune dropped to 0-2-1. The Red Raiders lead in the JV standings at 2-0. Defensive standouts for the Warriors included William Valente-Gonsalves (sack), Ryan Matthews (fumble recovery), Sam Thronas (fumble recovery), Ihe Naihe (sack), and Braden Rapozo (sack).
Waimea’s defense was paced by Kylen Chinen (INT) and Batis (fumble recovery).
KIF football continues next week Friday, as Kapa’a and Kaua’i tangle at Vidinha Stadium. The JV contest starts the action off at 5 p.m. The varsity game begins at 7:30 p.m.
Catch last night’s varsity contest on Oceanic TWC channel 6 on Sunday and Wednesday, with Ross Kagawa and Ben Bregman, from 9-11 p.m.
