Damien WRs Logan Lauti (5) and Akila Arecchi (9) celebrate after a score in the fourth quarter. The duo combined for 145 yards and three TDs. Spencer Honda | SL

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_17090342_IMG_0289.jpg - Spencer Honda | SL

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KALIHI — Damien finally exorcised the frustrations after 11 long years.

The No. 8 Monarchs (3-1 overall, 1-0 ILH) beat the No. 5 Raiders (1-2 overall, 0-1 ILH) for the first time since 2006 to snap an 18-game losing streak to win their Interscholastic League of Honolulu Division II opener, 35-21, at Farrington's Edward ‘Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field on Saturday.

"Getting this first win lifts the weight off our shoulders. It feels amazing. We knew before the game about the streak we haven't beat these guys. We know people — our friends, family, my brother used to play and we grew up watching them lose so it's a great feeling to overcome that," said Akila Arecchi.

Marcus Faufata-Pedrina's patience paid off and was efficient throwing for 200 yards on 13-of-16 passing, three touchdowns and rushing for 74 yards and another score.

"He's a good leader and knows what he's doing back there. He's a three-year starter and calling the right plays and making the right decisions," said Arecchi, on his quarterback.

"It's a good thing for our team and school in general. It was a good first win and good test. Now we have to get better and get ready for next week," said Faufata-Pedrina.

Logan Lauti caught two of Faufata-Pedrina's passes for scores and Arecchi scored on a run and a reception. Keoua Kauhi rushed for 107 yards on 18 attempts and set up key scoring plays in the second and fourth quarters.

Pomai Kim was a force in the trenches to sack Iolani quarterback Tai-John Mizutani three times and had another tackle for loss.

"Tai-John is a really good quarterback. Our defense stepped up and stayed strong and delivered a good game for us," said Faufata-Pedrina.

The Monarchs balanced it offensively with 200 passing and 206 rushing yards and out-gained the Raiders on offense, 406 to 305.

Mizutani finished with 240 yards on 24-of-35 passing, three scores and an interception. He went 7 of 8 on the Raiders' opening drive that covered 11-plays and 66 yards capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass to Carter Kamana.

The Monarchs took a while to get going on offense but sprung to life after Shiloh Kaeo intercepted Mizutani's pass. Kauhi's 22-yard run helped set up Arecchi's 3-yard score to tie the game at 7.

"It started off rough in the beginning, but as the time went on, I believed in the plays and the people around me. Everyone else made plays and it's thanks to the linemen and receivers," said Faufata-Pedrina.

Damien forced Iolani to go three-and-out and answered with a 69-yard, nine-play drive that took up 4 minutes and 25 seconds. Faufata-Pedrina threw a 39-yard pass to Arecchi to extend the drive and later hooked up with Arrechi again from 10 yards out to give the Monarchs a 14-7 lead.

Iolani converted a fourth-and-3 after Justin Genovia passed it to Isaac Ignacio on a fake punt, and the Raiders had a chance to add more points before the half, but Mika Makekau's 30-yard attempt was no good to trail, 14-7, going into halftime.

The Monarchs opened the second half and scored in two plays after Faufata-Pedrina threw a 57-yard touchdown to Lauti for a 21-7 lead.

"The skill guys step up every week and we have a good connection. Today was a good day," said Faufata-Pedrina.