Thriller in Salt Lake as Moanalua outlasts Nanakuli, 49-35

SALT LAKE – Moanalua and Nanakuli squared off in a high-scoring OIA Division I matchup on Friday, with Na Menehune pulling away late for a 49-35 victory.

The home team wasted no time getting on the board, as Kamuela Farias powered into the end zone on a 6-yard run. Moments later, Farias struck again—this time breaking free for a 56-yard touchdown that gave Moanalua a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter.

Nanakuli answered in the second quarter when quarterback Allix Yap connected with Vainuupo Fanuaea on a 25-yard scoring strike. The period featured four total touchdowns, and Moanalua carried a 28-13 advantage into halftime.

The Golden Hawks came out strong to open the third quarter. Yap capped a drive with a 2-yard rushing score, then completed a successful two-point conversion to Fanuaea, cutting the deficit to 28-21. Nanakuli found the end zone again soon after, pulling within one at 28-27 midway through the quarter.

Moanalua responded with authority, stringing together back-to-back touchdowns to push the lead to 42-27 heading into the final period. Nanakuli kept fighting, as Naehu Kipi punched in a 4-yard touchdown to make it a one-score game. But Na Menehune sealed the win with a late touchdown run from DJ Miller, closing out the 49-35 victory.