Kalaheo's Jake Swenson leaps in the air to attempt an interception against Kalani. Johnny Wilson | Special to SL

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082314_DSC_3838.jpg - Johnny Wilson | Special to SL

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KAILUA – Kalaheo stuck to its guns and came out with its first win of the season.

The Mustangs controlled the tempo of the game to defeat Kalani, 6-3 at Kailua’s Field. Kalaheo improved to 1-1 in Oahu Interscholastic Association Division II play while Kalani fell to 1-1.

Kalaheo limited Kalani to 117 yards passing in the contest, and more importantly held Falcon slotback Blaise Manabe to 53 yards receiving. Manabe had 157 yards receiving in the Falcons’ win over Waialua a week ago.

“I’m very proud of them,” said Kalaheo coach Darrell Poole. “I think the game plan that we had against a passing team (like Kalani) really paid off this week. Our defense really prepared for them – that was the difference in the game I believe. I’m proud of them. It was a good team win. 

“Defensively we had a different look. We kind of went to a more 4-2-5 look, trying to slow down one of their top receivers and it just paid off. We ran our assignments like how we did in practice and it paid off. It was crucial to our success.”

Defensively Kalaheo limited Kalani to 106 yards of total offense. Falcon quarterback Tyler Ching was held to 9-for-30 passing for 117 yards and an interception.

“It’s growing pains with a new quarterback,” said Kalani coach Greg Taguchi. “Trying to convert a linebacker into a quarterback, he’s going to struggle at times.”

Defensive standouts for Kalaheo were defensive lineman Nathan Hernandez (seven tackles, sack, forced fumble), middle linebacker Bryant Villarosa (six tackles), and linebacker John Tuitupou (five tackles, sack, fumble recovery).

Offensively, the Mustangs rolled out 168 yards of offense thanks to its veer-option attack. Running back Kawika Cavanh led the way with twelve carries for 59 yards.

“It’s all thanks to our lineman. Our lineman is our basis of our team,” Cavanh said on the team’s running game. 

Penalties against Kalaheo paid a big role in the first score of the game. Four Mustang penalties on the Falcons’ opening drive resulted in a 23-yard field goal from Kalani kicker Marc Teshima for the first score of the game. 

“I think there’s a lot of things that we can clean up and get better as a team. As we go on throughout the season. We got to do a better job on some of these penalties,” said Poole. 

The two teams traded three-and-outs and turnovers for majority of the game. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Kalaheo got on the board. Quarterback Tommy Capilonch’s one-yard keeper capped off a 12-play, 85-yard scoring drive.

Kalaheo takes on Waialua (0-2) next Friday while Kalani battles Anuenue (0-2).

.”I think it’s a major stepping stone in our season,” said Cavanh. “Hopefully we can make it down to the playoffs, and after that it’s going to be a story to remember.”