Damien pulls away from Kauai for 34-19 win


Damien's Jarin Manuel soars to make a pass reception against Kauai. CJ Caraang | SL

Damien, ranked seventh in the ScoringLive/Hawaiian Electric Division II Football Power Rankings, overcame an early 13-0 deficit to defeat ninth-ranked Kauai, 34-19 in a non-league game at Aiea Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Quarterback Marcus Faufata-Pedrina accounted for four scores to lead the Monarchs (2-0) to their second win in as many weeks. The sophomore signal-caller passed for 153 yards and touchdown and had 106 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

The Monarchs scored five of the final six touchdown of the contest.

"I think we were just a little over excited in the beginning," said Faufata-Pedrina. "We just needed to relax and get our stuff together. I needed to calm myself down. I just sat in the pocket, my line gave me time and I delivered the ball."

Kauai drew first blood with Jhustin Baliscan's 59-yard scamper 6:14 into the game. The Red Raiders improved on their lead after Keala Iwasaki's 35-yard interception return with 8:56 left in the second quarter.

Damien got its first score of the game on a Faufata-Pedrina one-yard blast and tied the game on Jarin Manuel's 25-yard touchdown reception. Kaimana Cameron's PAT gave the Monarchs a 14-13 lead with 1:27 left in the first half.

The Red Raiders retook the lead on Balisican's four-yard run with 7:12 to go in the third quarter. The 2-point conversion failed to make it 19-14 in favor of Kauai. Basilican was Kauai's best source of offense with 17 carries for 128 yards and two scores.

Faufata-Pedrina's second rushing touchdown of the game gave the Monarchs the lead for good, 21-19 with 6:30 left in the third period. He would later add another rushing score with 5:54 left in regulation.

Kepono Kawaakoa capped the Monarchs' scoring with a 38-yard burst with 42.2 seconds left in the game. He finished the game with 92 yards from scrimmage on nine touches.

Kauai will host Konawaena (1-0) next Saturday at Vidinha Stadium while Damien travels to Hawaii Prep.