by Al Linsky, with thanks to the HHSAA for game statistics
Photos: Coach-photos.com
Stats: HHSAA Web Site
Video: Below- Located at our Football Central!
For those loyal and brave souls that braved the inclement weather to
support your Raiders and Lunas, you were rewarded with a close, exciting game
and some great football. It was the number one seed, Lahainaluna, versus the
number two seeded, 'Iolani.
The game started late as the Lunas found out why there is so much talk
about what to do to solve the terrible traffic situation. The Raiders had long
finished their warmup and left the field as the Lunas made their arrival, right
at the official starting time of 5:00 pm. Would the lack of a complete warmup
and a change in routine upset the Lunas right from the start? Not at all.
The Raiders received the kickoff and started moving, propelled by a nice
run by quarterback Kela Marciel. But on fourth and 9, from the 33 yard line,
Kela threw a perfect pass to Lionel Fujioka at the one. But, 6'1" Matthew
Lawless went up high to grab the ball for a big interception. Lawless returned
the interception 30 yards to stop the Raider drive.
The Luna Wing T is just the kind of offense that can make trouble for an
undersized Raider defense and these Lunas knew how to run it. I watch a lot of
football and think I'm pretty good at following the ball, but I found myself
continually searching for the play as the Lunas did a great job faking the
handoffs. The Lunas first drive had runs of 25 yards, 10 yards, 6 yards and 35
yards, with Jake Manning getting the touchdown. The extra point was missed, but
the quick 6-0 lead and the effective running was signaling a long day for the
Raider defense.
Reid Furukawa returned the ensuing kickoff 13 yards, but a penalty, a
couple of incomplete passes and a rush for no gain forced a punt.
The Lunas had good field position at the Raider 33 yard line. After an
initial 4 yard run, quarterback Jake Manning showed he could pass too, by
completing a 5 yarder to Chris Wanke, and then a 24 yarder to twin brother
Jayson Manning for the touchdown. The 2 point attempt was good to make it
14-0.
If the Raiders were going to stay in this game, it was time for them to
start making some plays. And they did. Starting from their own 38 yard line,
Justin Yamamoto made a nice 15 yard run, followed by a pretty 46 yard pass play
to Reid Furukawa for the score. The Kodi Look extra point was good as the
Raiders tightened the score to 14-7.
The Raiders then stiffened their defense stopping the rush and forcing a
punt.
In the second quarter, after starting their drive at their own 28 yard
line, Marciel connected with Furukawa for a huge 71 yard pass play. The Lunas
caught him at the 4 yard line, but a 2 yard pass to Fujioka hit paydirt. The
Look extra point was good. 14-14 and we had a game!
The Lunas then had to punt after a 6 play drive stalled.
The Raiders then had a 3 and out drive, punting to the Luna 24 yard line.
The Lunas got their running game back in gear and even included a 10 yard
completed pass to set up a 2 yard rushing touchdown by Bryson Williams. The kick
was good. 21-14, Lunas.
The Raiders got the ball with 34 seconds left but elected to run the clock
out. The half would end with the Lunas in command, 21-14.
In the second half, the Lunas started on their 36 yard line after the
Raider kickoff went out of bounds.
The Luna drive stalled after an incomplete pass and two short runs. The
ensuing punt, though, pinned the Raiders back on their 1 yard line.
The Raider drive stalled on the Luna 34 as Marciel went for two passes at
3rd and 11 and 4th and 11 that fell incomplete.
The Lunas took over on downs at their own 34. A fumble recovered by Lionel
Fujioka gave the ball back to the Raiders at their own 29 yard line. The Raiders
then mounted a 12 play, 71 yard drive that culminated in a "never give up" 12
yard pass to Ronnie Hirokawa that saw him carry defenders on his back all the
way for the score. The Look extra point was good. 21-21.
The Raiders defense came up big again and forced a punt at 9:39 of the
fourth quarter.
By this time, Lionel Fujioka was nursing what looked like a very badly
sprained ankle on the bench. Lionel's season has been nothing short of
spectacular. Could the rest of the Raiders pick it up in the last quarter? Yes.
With Marciel completing passes to Hirokawa, Yamamoto, and Aaron Fong, and mixing
in a few Yamamoto running plays, the Raiders orchestrated a 10 play, 80 yard
drive to make it 28-21.
The Lunas had 5:21 left to get back in the game. After 3 Casco rushing
plays that ended on the Luna 40 yard line, the Lunas took a timeout. Vehikite
then came up with a big 21 yard running play. On fourth and 10, 1:25 left in the
game, Jarom Baldomero came up with an interception to put the game away. A few
safe running plays by the Raiders ran out the clock, and that's how it
ended.
Congratulations to both teams as they put on a fabulous show!