Tuifua's 5 TDs help Damien overwhelm Kalaheo

Greg Yamamoto | SL

KALIHI—AJ Tuifua tossed four touchdown passes and rushed for another in Damien's 53-0 win over Kalaheo in the nightcap of a preseason doubleheader at Farrington's Edward ‘Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field Saturday.

The freshman QB threw for 264 yards and was picked off once as the Monarchs improved to 1-0 overall to start the 2022 campaign and picked up their first win since Sept. 10, 2021.

Tuifua jumpstarted Damien's scoring in the second quarter with a 2-yard keeper and after the punter's knee touched the ground, he connected with Sylas Alaimalo for a 12-yard score a play later to make it, 13-0. The pair connected again and Alaimalo broke multiple tackles for a 20-yard touchdown for a 20-0 lead that held up until halftime.

Bryse Hopeau-Lampitoc hauled in a 52-yard touchdown to start a scoring onslaught. A play later, the Monarchs redeemed Kaliko Wilson's fumble recovery with a 11-yard touchdown pass to Joshua DeCenzo.

Damien then turned two interceptions into touchdowns. Wilson picked off Jude Weber and Peyton Dalmacio finished the drive with a 4-yard rushing score. After Pono Sales' interception two plays later, Joshua DeCenzo kept it for a 25-yard score.

Kaleb Kealanahele ended the night with a 27-yard rushing score for the final points of the night.

Kalaheo's Elijah Taylor led all rushers with 41 yards and Jayden Fargas had 50 kick off return yards and three solo tackles. Zayden Napulou had five solo tackles to lead the Mustang defense.

Damien faces Pearl City next Saturday at Bino Neves Stadium while Kalaheo hosts PAC-5 the same day at Kailua.

Reach Brandon Ching at [email protected].