Kaimuki races past Waipahu, 35-7

Kaimuki RB Brandon Kekoa attempts to run through a Waipahu defender. Greg Yamamoto | SL

Brandon Kekoa had 230 all-purpose yards -- scoring touchdowns rushing, receiving and on a kick return -- and Kaimuki held Waipahu to 80 yards of total offense last night as the Bulldogs raced past the Marauders, 35-7.
The victory at Kaiser Stadium improved Kaimuki to 8-0 overall, 7-0 in the O'ahu Interscholastic Association's White Conference heading into Saturday's 6:30 p.m. showdown at Pearl City (7-1, 7-0).
Despite the lopsided score, Bulldogs coach Clint Onigama said Waipahu (5-3, 5-2) presented a stiff test.
"They're tough," Onigama said. "This was really good for us, because we told our guys that this team will match us hit-for-hit."
Kekoa, though, provided a spark that the Marauders could not match by returning the opening kickoff 69 yards up the gut for a touchdown. Keoki Kaiahua's extra point made it 7-0 just 12 seconds into the game.
"That definitely pumped our boys up," Onigama said. "It put life into our defense."
After Kaimuki forced Waipahu into a three-and-out on the ensuing possession, the Bulldogs marched 66 yards in nine plays, culminating in Nahoa Spencer's 27-yard TD pass to Kekoa on third-and-15. Kaiahua's PAT made it 14-0 with 8:19 remaining in the first quarter.
The Marauders cut it to 14-7 early in the second quarter on Gregorio Alip's 1-yard touchdown plunge on third-and-goal and Jayson Gonsalves' extra point.
The score was set up by Joseph Kahale Ayau's fumble recovery after a muffed punt return near the goal line.
But Kekoa returned the following kickoff 40 yards to midfield and scored five plays later on a 1-yard run, and Kaiahua's extra point made it 21-7 with 8:05 left in the half.
Kaimuki extended the lead to 28-7 with 1:32 remaining in the third quarter after Zac Bastatas connected with Nick Motellang on a 12-yard fake field goal pass for a touchdown.
The Bulldogs later sealed the victory on Spencer's 14-yard TD pass to Daylan Demello with 5:48 left in the game.
Kekoa, a 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior running back, finished with 107 yards on two kick returns, rushed for 81 yards on nine carries andcaught two passes for 40 yards.
Kaimuki's defense limited Waipahu to 13 yards rushing for the game and only 15 total yards in the first half.