Kaiser spoils Castle’s homecoming with 42-20 win

KANEOHE — Kaiser built a four-touchdown lead, weathered a spirited Castle comeback and pulled away for a 42-20 victory Friday night in an OIA Division II game.

The Cougars got back into the win column as they improved to 4-2 overall and 3-2 in league play. Castle had its three-game winning streak snapped and fell to 3-5 overall and 3-2 in the OIA.

Kaiser jumped to a 28-0 lead before Castle began to rally behind quarterback Draven Kalawa and receiver Mason Ohta.

The Cougars intercepted four passes, including Lawai’a AhSam’s 77-yard return for a touchdown that gave Kaiser a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

Castle answered with two touchdown connections from Kalawa to Ohta, one before halftime and another to open the second half. Braden Domingo’s 23-yard touchdown catch cut Kaiser’s lead to 28-20 midway through the third quarter.

With momentum shifting toward the Knights, Kaiser junior cornerback Ryder Phelps came up with a crucial interception deep in Castle territory.

Kaiser junior CB Ryder Phelps was a playmaker on defense against Castle. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“I just saw the ball and I said, ‘I got to go get that,’” Phelps said.

The turnover set up a 6-yard touchdown pass from Koa Reis to Ka’ai Colton, restoring Kaiser’s momentum and giving the Cougars a 35-20 advantage.

Sophomore receiver Alaka’i Aweau then capped the scoring with a 59-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. Aweau finished with three catches for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

Phelps was named the Fun Factory VIP of the Game after recording the momentum-changing interception and four pass breakups.

“Defense did great, it was all of us really,” Phelps said. “Our D-line getting to the quarterback, forcing us to get picks. It really was the whole defense today.”

Jonah Shinagawa and Chance Kalahiki-Kikala also intercepted passes for Kaiser.

Phelps credited AhSam’s defensive touchdown for setting the tone early.

Lawai’a AhSam runs back an interception for Kaiser’s second touchdown of the night. | Photo: Michael Lasquero

“His pick-six was great,” Phelps said. “It was good, I was surprised he could run that fast. It was just an all defense thing. Four picks, a lot of tackles, a lot of turnovers.”

Ohta was Castle’s top offensive performer, catching nine passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns.

The victory was particularly important for Kaiser after losses to Kalaheo and Pearl City.

“We definitely needed this,” Phelps said. “Those were two big losses and we needed this win to set us up in the playoffs. It was a great win for us and we needed this.”

With the postseason approaching, Phelps said the Cougars expect to build on Friday’s performance.

“You’ll expect great things from us,” he said. “Our coaches will keep us in check. We’re going to win the rest of the season and we’re going to stay disciplined.”