The Marauders celebrate after taking the lead for good midway through the second quarter against Kailua. | Michael Lasquero
No. 11 Waipahu cash in on opportunities to beat Kailua, 29-14
BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED AUGUST 18, 2024
KAILUA — The Waipahu football team’s first victory of the season was the epitome of a team win.
The 11th-ranked Marauders took advantage of their opportunities against Kailua to pull away for a 29-14 win Saturday afternoon in a non-league contest at Alex Kane Field.
Even with starting running back Faafetai Failauga having to leave the game during the team’s second series with a potential fractured wrist, Waipahu played complimentary football to secure the victory.
It started on first possession of the game with Kailua driving halfway across the field with a run-first approach. Miscommunication on a handoff ultimately ended the drive as Kaimana Sione recovered the loose ball for the Marauders’ first of three takeaways.
Waipahu was then able to recycle the turnover into a 3-yard touchdown run by Kealii Sione to give the Marauders a 7-0 lead at the 4:03 mark of the first quarter.
Kealii Sione carries the ball in the red zone against Kailua in the second half. | Michael Lasquero
The Surfriders struck back with Caysen Samson’s 5-yard TD run early in the second quarter and even took the lead on the 2-point conversion try with Isaiah Keaunui-Demello keeping the ball on an option play.
The visitors would retake the lead midway through the period on Tristan Pacheco’s 8-yard TD run. Pacheco, who took the bulk of the carries with Failauga sidelined, rushed 19 times for 61 yards and even caught two passes for 25 yards.
Waipahu would add another score just before the end of the half after a Kailua turnover-on-downs. The Marauders needed just two plays and eight seconds to drive 65 yards into the end zone, cashing in on David Vidinha’s 42-yard pass to Jayvren Pinera.
The Surfriders would hold Waipahu without any points on the opening drive of the second half, but Kealii Sione came up big with a forced fumble and recovery. This led to another scoring connection between Vidinha and Pinera, this time from 37 yards out.
Kailua would close out the scoring in the third quarter on Keaunui-Demello’s 23-yard TD pass to Aizek Kaanoi.
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL LASQUERO
Hawai’i holds off Wyoming in extra points to push win streak to seven
Snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Despite being pushed to the limit in Laramie, the University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team fought off a ferocious upset bid from Wyoming (10-8, 3-4 Mountain West) on Thursday night for a hard-fought...
Banana Ball prepares to head to Hawai’i during 2027 season
HONOLULU – It was only a matter of time before the Aloha Spirit crossed over with the baseball league taking the world by storm. The Banana Ball Championship League revealed on Thursday that the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa would host a two-game...
Three players to watch as Hawai’i hosts New Mexico for Homecoming
HONOLULU – It’s not your typical homecoming game. The University of Hawai’i football team returns to the friendly confines of Clarence T.C. Ching Complex this Saturday, hosting conference leader New Mexico (4-1, 2-0 Mountain West) for Homecoming...
Internal focus remains for red-hot Hawai’i ahead of first Wyoming trip in 30 years
HONOLULU – The effects of elevation can take some people by surprise. Look no further than the reaction to the University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team, who have already eclipsed their win total from a year ago after a pair of sweeps over San...