Kailua notches late TD to stun Waianae, win third straight


Kailua’s Aizek Kaanoi (2) celebrates with Romeo Ortiz (8) and Atunaisa Tongotea (9) after catching a 32 yard wide open pass in the end zone to tie it up with 1:12 left in the game at Waianae’s Raymond Torii Field. CJ Caraang | SL

After dropping its first two games, Surfriders have found its winning groove.

Kailua outlasted Waianae in a back-and-forth contest, as Romeo Ortiz found Aizek Kaanoi on a 32 yard scoring play in the late stages of the fourth quarter to tie the game at 20-all, and Matthew Mashiba knocked through the point after touchdown to win it.

Colin Friel put the Surfriders up in the first quarter, recovering a Kaanoi fumble in the end zone for the score. Waianae responded with the tying score in the second on a one yard keeper by Maximus Kahalewai-Sapigao and then took the lead on Alika Idica's 41 yard rumble in the third.

Idica had a game-high 147 yards rushing on 18 carries and added three catches for 35 yards for the home team, which outgained visting Kailua 394 to 263 in total offense.

The seesaw teetered back to the Surfers early in the fourth on a 58 yard rushing score by Kristian Yamamoto before Kahalewai-Sapigao edged Waianae back in front on a 10 yard scamper. The pass attempt on the PAT failed, however, which ultimately opened up the door for Mashiba to kick the game-winner.

Kaanoi led the way for the Surfriders with six receptions for 95 yards, which included the game-winning TD catch.