Pettypool helps lead Keaau to season-opening win over Kalani

Brien Ing | SL

Keaau started its 2022 campaign with a notch in the win column, knocking off Kalani, 36-21, in a Saturday game under the lights at Keaau High School Stadium.

The Cougars' played host to an Oahu team for the first time since Aug. 16, 2014, a 33-14 loss to Saint Francis, and the win also marked the first win over a non-BIIF opponent in well over a decade.

Pettypool factored into four scores, three via the pass and one a 29 yard run to paydirt. His favorite target on the evening, Hunter Acia, caught a first quarter score from 20 yards out and another from 55 yards away in the third. Hoohuli caught the third passing score from Pettypool, a six yard connection to open the scoring in the second half.

"I like to stay in the pocket, I like to let it develop but if I need to I'll gladly take it (and run)." said Pettypool. "I trust my linemen and I trust my receivers and I hope we continue to get better this season."

Following Keaau's score on the opening drive, the Falcons struck back on the very next possession, as Kynan McCartney found Mikala Nishimoto from 55 yards out for the tying score, and Robert Pruner booted the extra point to give the Falcons the lead.

The Falcons fell behind following a safety in the closing seconds of the first, before taking its final lead of the game back on a McCartney to Jonah Viernes pass from 23 yards away to make the score 13-8 in favor of the visitors.

From there, it was all Keaau, who put up 28 straight points to build the margin to 36-13, until McCartney helped the Falcons claw back to within two scores on his third TD of the evening, this a four yard keeper. A two point conversion via the pass from McCartney to Jonah Barnhill wrapped up the scoring in the contest.

"I'm proud of what they've done in the offseason," said Pettypool in praise of the offensive line, "they put in a lot of work and it showed on the field today."

Keaau's front line put pressure on McCartney almost all evening, and factored into the two picks thrown, one to Acia and the other Sean Randall. Faapo Oti was responsible for much of that pressure, as was Koa Wong among others.

"Its a blessing," said Faapo Oti of the win. "We just won our first game, but we got more to go."

Up next for the Cougars is a big test in the form of perennial league power Hilo, set for Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at Wong Stadium, while Kalani looks to rebound with a matchup against Kalaheo on Aug. 20 at Kaiser High School Stadium.