Kamehameha-Kapālama defense forces five turnovers in 23-3 win over Saint Louis
Kamehameha’s Niamiah Samia (14) celebrates with teammates after coming up with an interception against Saint Louis. The Warriors forced five turnovers in a 23-3 win over the Crusaders. | Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN
Kamehameha leaned on its defense and ground game to earn a 23-3 victory over Saint Louis, improving to 2-0 in ILH play.
The Warriors were held to just 91 yards of total offense, but their defense more than made up for it, forcing five Saint Louis turnovers and keeping the Crusaders out of the end zone.
Kamehameha struck first when Maddox Sharrer capped an early drive with a 1-yard touchdown run at the 8:17 mark of the opening quarter.
The defense added to the lead late in the period. Frank Abreu intercepted Saint Louis quarterback Zander Namoku and returned it 14 yards for a touchdown, giving the Warriors a two-score advantage despite the ensuing extra point being blocked.
Saint Louis got on the board before halftime with a 25-yard field goal by Andrew Moses, but that would be the Crusaders’ only points of the game.
Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN
Defense sets the tone
Saint Louis finished with 158 yards of offense and outgained Kamehameha, but turnovers proved costly. The Crusaders finished 12-of-33 passing for 105 yards with four interceptions.
Abreu, Niamiah Samia, Anthony Sardine Jr. and Moose Wailehua each recorded an interception for Kamehameha. Iraia Manumaleuna also forced and recovered a fumble while adding a sack.
The Warriors’ defense repeatedly gave its offense favorable opportunities while limiting Saint Louis to 2.7 yards per play.
Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN
Warriors grind it out
Kamehameha did most of its offensive damage on the ground, rushing for 69 yards on 31 carries.
Sharrer led the way with 51 yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts, while Tyrus Kahoʻopii added 17 yards and scored on a 1-yard run in the third quarter to extend the lead.
Quarterback Loea Keopuhiwa completed 6 of 11 passes for 22 yards and did not turn the ball over.
Tyler Fujimoto closed the scoring with a 31-yard field goal with 38 seconds remaining.
The win moved Kamehameha to 2-0 in ILH play and 3-4 overall, while Saint Louis fell to 0-1 in league play and 0-6 overall.
Photo Credit: Andrew Lee, Special to HSRN
PHOTOS BY ANDREW LEE / @ANDREWLEEHI
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