LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Red Raiders came away with their seventh victory in seven games this season after Friday night’s 31-9 win over the Waimea Menehune (0-5, 0-3) at Vidinha Stadium. Running back Paleku Yasay did most of the dirty
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Red Raiders came away with their seventh victory in seven games this season after Friday night’s 31-9 win over the Waimea Menehune (0-5, 0-3) at Vidinha Stadium.
Running back Paleku Yasay did most of the dirty work on the ground, piling up 168 yards, and quarterback Trey Shimabukuro capitalized with three touchdown tosses for the Raiders.
Waimea opened the game with a 55-yard touchdown drive, showing its most impressive sustained offensive attack of the season. After a halfback pass to open the drive, Waimea ran the ball 12 straight times with Kaulana Waalani-Arroyo getting most of the work. The drive was capped off by an Ikaika Rapacon 1-yard touchdown on a 4th and Goal.
The extra point was missed and the Menehune took a 6-0 lead with 6:12 to play in the opening quarter.
Later in the first, Kaua‘i capitalized on a scoring opportunity when Puna Hanohano recovered a Clifton Callejo fumble and the Raiders took over at the Waimea 17-yard line. One play later, Shimabukuro found Kalena “Boom” Rodero Workman on an 8-yard touchdown toss to give Kaua‘i a 7-6 lead with 2:57 left in the first period.
The Raiders forced a three and out, getting the ball back at their own 23-yard line. Yasay busted runs of 16 and 20 yards, but the drive stalled in Waimea territory. Shea Shimabukuro made a 37-yard field goal to give Kaua‘i a 10-6 advantage at the 10:01 mark of the second quarter.
Kaua‘i defensive lineman Kepa Nakaahiki was in the backfield on two plays during Waimea’s next possession, coming away with 1 1/2 sacks, spinning and tossing Callejo to the ground on one.
The Raiders got the ball back with time for one last drive in the half, finishing an 11-play march with a play-action touchdown pass to Jamen Kealoha-Albarado, sending Kaua‘i to the locker room with a 17-6 advantage.
Kaua‘i received the ball to start the second half, but Waimea took it back quickly when Trey Shimabukuro tossed a pass over the middle that was picked off by Kaulana Waalani-Arroyo and returned to the Raider 36-yard line. The Menehune were able to move close enough for Wyatt Taniguchi to strike a 37-yard field goal through the uprights, cutting the Kaua‘i lead to 17-9.
Waimea got the ball right back when Shimabukuro tossed a pass down the seam to Rodero Workman. Jenzen Cacal blindsided the receiver and the ball popped into the air, where Callejo snatched it for the interception. Rodero Workman remained on the ground after the play and did not return.
Late in the third, Kaua‘i forced Waimea into a punt situation. The snap was too low for Waalani-Arroyo to handle and he took off running, coming up two yards shy of a first down, giving Kaua‘i the ball at the Menehune 28.
Yasay pounded out 23 yards on three carries, bringing up 1st and Goal on the 5-yard line. Three incomplete passes brought on a decision by head coach Derek Borrero, who elected to keep his offense on the field. Trey Shimabukuro went play action and found Puna Hanohano wide open for the score, making the tally 24-9 with 11:41 to play.
Cameron Largusa later added to his all-purpose totals, returning a punt 51 yards for a touchdown, giving Kaua‘i the 31-9 lead with 3:43 remaining.
In JV action, the Menehune JV continued their impressive season, notching a 35-27 win over the Raiders.
Next week, the Mehenune head home to face the Kapa‘a Warriors (2-3, 1-2) at Hanapepe Stadium.
