Waimea survives close call

Waimea 21, Kapa‘a 14

HANAPEPE — Waimea High School rallied from behind in the fourth quarter with a touchdown from Alika Pereza to beat Kapa‘a High School 21-14 last night at Hanapepe Stadium.

Waimea quarterback Jayrald Watanabe recovered a fumble that bounced at least five yards for a loss and launched it to a wide open Pereza in the end zone. That touchdown lifted Waimea over Kapa‘a and kept them pumped for the rest of the game.

Kapa‘a was off to a good start early on. Head coach Steve Kaui said the team had a good practice this week and it showed. He also said he’d be going with running backs Caleb Sarsona and Daniel Lizama.

That formula worked at least for the first half. The Warriors’ opening drive took up the majority of the first quarter resulting in a 2-yard touchdown from a Chavis Kupihea toss to Lizama.

Waimea’s Oni Schmidt answered with a 6-yard run in the second quarter at 8:44 in.

With less than three minutes left in the half, Brandon Chong rushed for a 1-yard TD to give Kapa‘a the lead. Ian Lactaotao was 2-for-2 for extra points.

Watanabe tied the game in the third with a 4-yard run. But it was Kaulana Judd who came up with a huge play for the Menehune when he blocked a Lactaotao punt which gave Waimea near perfect field position. That set up the major play by Watanabe and Pereza for the win.

Kapa‘a (0-4, 1-5 overall) went 219 yards on 51 carries compared to Waimea (3-1, 6-1) that went for 194 yards on 44 carries.

Kupihea was 5-for-7 and 77 yards passing. Watanabe was 3-of-8 and 21 yards.

Defensively for Kapa‘a, Pahoa Naihe was the leading tackler with eight. Kalani Apilado led the Menehune with four.

Waimea’s Ikaika Rapacon who went 66 yards on 10 carries was selected the Player of the Game.

Kapa‘a will play Kaua‘i High School (3-1, 5-1) next week at Vidinha Stadium.