Chang's late field goal helps Iolani escape with narrow win over Damien

Iolani's kicker Allison Chang (18) celebrates with Tristan Martinez (19) and Jonah Takayama (67) after making a 24-yard field goal to give the Raiders the lead with 1:41 left in the game against the Damien Monarchs at Farrington's Edward 'Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field. CJ Caraang | SL

KALIHI — Allison Chang kicked a 24-yard field goal with one minute and 41 seconds left to help No. 6 Iolani escape with a 13-12 win over unranked Damien at Farrington's Edward ‘Skippa' Diaz Stadium at Kusunoki Field Saturday afternoon.

The reigning Division-I state champion Raiders improved to 2-0 in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu standings and 5-0 overall.

The Monarchs (2-2 overall) were playing their first game in four weeks and first league contest of the year.

Both teams struggled with sustaining and finishing drives for much of the night. Damien reclaimed the lead with 6:00 to play with a Zion Vea 1-yard touchdown run. That capped an 11-play, 69-yard drive that included a pair of third-down conversions on completions by quarterback AJ Tuifua.

The PAT was no good, however, and the Monarchs' lead remained 12-10.

Iolani answered by manufacturing a 14-play drive that covered 52 yards and took 4:10 off of the clock.

The Raiders drove inside of the Damien 10-yard line and eventually called timeout with 1:46 to play, facing a fourth-and-goal from the 7. On Chang's field goal, Bronson Morioka's snap found the hands of holder Brayden Morioka and the All-Hawaii First Team kicker drilled the kick from the middle of the field through the uprights for the go-ahead score.

Chang has converted five field goals in her last three games; She made kicks from 28 and 27 yards in last week's 41-8 win over Saint Louis II.

Damien jumped ahead on a defensive score midway through the first quarter. Linebacker Kaliko Wilson strip-sacked Iolani's Kualau Manuel and Sylas Alaimalo came up with the fumble for a 25-yard scoop-and-score. The PAT was blocked by the Raiders' Haaheo Dela Cruz.

Chang cut into Monarchs' lead with a 26-yard field to get the Raiders on the board with 2:39 until the second quarter.

Seven plays after its defense forced a turnover on downs, Iolani capitalized with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Micah Hoomanawanui to Nela Taliauli on third-and-5. The same pair also hooked up for a 16-yard completion to convert a third-and-10 earlier in the drive.

After Chang added the PAT, the Raiders took a 10-6 lead with 6:28 until halftime.

Hoomanawanui completed 23 of his 37 passes for 187 yards, but was intercepted twice. Running back Kaeo Kawaakoa was held out of the end zone for the first time this season, but still ran for 102 yards on 24 carries.

Iolani entered the game averaging better than 47 points and 398 yards per game on offense.

Damien was held to 203 total yards in the loss. Tuifua threw for 169 yards on 16-of-32 passing and was picked twice.

Prior to Saturday the Monarchs had not played a game since Aug. 20, when they lost to Moanalua 16-7. They will play Kamehameha II Saturday at Kunuiakea Stadium.

The Raiders will host Punahou II Friday afternoon.

Iolani and Damien will play again on Oct. 7 at Kozuki Stadium.

Reach Kalani Takase at [email protected].