Big first half powers Saint Louis past Damien, 41-7

Saint Louis WR Allan Cui III carries the ball after a pass reception against Damien. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Saint Louis demolished Damien in a blowout game. Ryder Kuhns and Jimmy Nunuha threw for a total of 183 yards which propelled the Crusaders to a 41-7 victory.

Three minutes into the game Kuhns threw a 35 yard touchdown pass to Drew Kobayashi and what preceded were 3 more touchdowns in the 1st quarter alone.

Kuhns and Kobayashi connected on 3 out of the 4 touchdowns and for the night, Kobayashi received for a total of 63 yards as Kuhns threw for 7-of-8 completions, 4 TD’s and no interceptions.

The Monarchs failed to gain any extensive yardage, Leeland Lauti ran for a cumulative 38 yards and received for 23 yards which kept the Monarchs fighting. In the first half, Damien’s Dallas Labanon completed 7-of-8 passes for a cumulative of 25 yards, however, the Monarchs failed to get on the board.

Saint Louis continued to build on their 27-0 lead in the 2nd quarter as Nunuha tacked on 2 more touchdowns, passing for 87 yards and completing 4-of-5. Adam Noga ran for a total of 43 yards and Raymond Caayon 20 yards, adding additional pressure on the Monarch defense while pushing the ball forward for the Crusaders.

Damien's one touchdown came late during the 4th quarter, with Syles Choy throwing to Bransen Apao for a 31 yard score. Choy passed for a total of 62 yards with 6-of-14 completions and 1 interception.

After the game, Ryder Kuhns explained how they maintained their large lead while only allowing one Monarch touchdown late in the 4th quarter saying, "Our coach just always told us to stay focus and finish the game." The Crusaders did just that, handing the crusaders their 3rd cosecutive win.

Next week, Saint Louis faces Punahou at the Aloha Stadium, while Damien will go on the road to take on Kamahemeha.