Kaimuki's ground game too much for Kalani

Kailie Alama | Special to SL

Led by Ofa Vehikite and Iosefa Letuli, Kaimuki's rushing attack got the better of Kalani's aerial assault in a 40-20 win for the Bulldogs at Kaiser Stadium Saturday.

The Bulldogs rolled up 329 yards on the ground, highlighted by 217 on 21 carries along with a touchdown by Vehitkite.

"He's third effort," said Letuli of Vehikite, "It's not even second effort, he's always trying his best (on every carry). He's also a great teammate off the field."

Letuli added 49 rushing yards of his own and scored three times, from 4, 27 and again from 4 yards out, as the Falcons could do little to contain the triple option.

"The triple option is pretty deadly," remarked Iosefa, "and it's blessing to have two running backs that can both run the ball (behind me)."

Kalani spotted the visiting team a 26 point lead before finally getting things going, as Kynan McCartney found a streaking Mikala Nishimoto down the left sideline for a 18 yard score. That connection was just the jump start both McCartney and the Falcons needed after seeing three drives halted via interceptions.

Then, after a three and out by Kaimuki on the next possession, Kalani capped off a 39 yard completion from McCartney to Silas Tina Soberano with a keeper from eight yards away by McCartney to get the home team to within two scores at the break.

After halftime, Kalani continued the momentum, getting to within just six points after McCartney found Nishimoto for the second time in the game for a 20 yard score, but the Falcons would not get any closer as the Bulldogs turned to the ground game to churn not only yards but grind down the clock as well, and the defense responded with a clean sheet for the rest of the contest as well.

"Our defense played great, they adjusted and that's what happens when we play as a team," said Iosefa. "It was a team effort, players, coaches, everybody."

Vehikite capped a sustained drive with a five yard score at the 7:18 mark to cushion the lead to 14, and the Bulldogs capped the night with a one yard plunge by Avin Tanioka with just 1:32 left.

McCartney finished the evening completing 21 of 33 passes for 226 yards and two scores, and added 55 yards and another score with his legs.

The win for Kaimuki tonight was the first of the season, and leveled its record in league play after falling to Pearl City a week ago.

"It was very big. It started on Monday, with us in the classroom and on the field. It was just our mentality and the way we helped carry each other," said Iosefa.

Up next for Kaimuki is a game against McKinley at Roosevelt on Sept. 2, and Kalani looks to bounce back against Nanakuli on Sept. 3 in a game back at Kaiser.