Kaimuki defeats Pearl City, 34-12


Mason Kualii-Moe soaring for a reception in the first half that resulted in 25-yard touchdown. Brien Ing | SL
Although the outcome of Saturday's game between Kaimuki and Pearl City had no bearing on seedings for next week's O'ahu Interscholastic Association White playoffs, the Bulldogs' 34-12 win at Ticky Vasconcellos Stadium was heated.

The Chargers (6-3 overall, 5-3 White) alleged foul play by the Bulldogs (8-1, 8-0), making for an interesting meeting when they play again next week in the OIA White's four-team tournament. Second-seeded Waipahu will host third-seeded Kalaheo in the other semifinal.

"That's why I told the kids, 'You know what? Let's just be smart, stay off the field, let'em talk all the trash,'" Pearl City coach Kai Kamaka said. "They were spitting at our guys. This game has no bearing. We'll come back next week, regroup and play hard ball."

"I think we're motivated now by the dirty plays that happened. We're more than motivated to play next week. We were missing four or five key guys, but they'll be back next week."

Kaimuki coach Clint Onigama said he was indirectly told of Kamaka's displeasure as the half ended when walking off the field with the game officials.

"He came up and complained to the refs, saying that there was a lot of dirty stuff on our part," Onigama said.  "At halftime, we were walking off the field and he made his feelings known.

"We kept our boys in check. We told them to just keep on playing. If (Kamaka) feels that way, it's unfortunate. We heard some things coming out of their sideline that I don't want to repeat. But I'm proud of our kids. I don't want to take away anything away from this win and take anything away from Pearl City."

Onigama was aware the Chargers were without some key players.

"To get away with this win was hard enough," Onigama said. "To do it again will be harder."

The teams combined for 19 penalties for 213 yards. Kaimuki had 11 infractions for 130 yards, while the Chargers had eight for 83.

The game started off as if it would be a back-and-forth affair.

The Bulldogs scored on their opening drive with Chester Sua's 12-yard TD reception from Dallas Reis. Keoki Kaiahua's PAT gave Kaimuki a 7-0 lead with 6:53 in the first quarter.

But the Chargers responded in just under a minute later on QB Dustin Bayata's 36-yard TD pass to RB Ray Cooper. But the PAT was blocked, preserving Kaimuki's lead.

Kaimuki scored just before the half on 25-yard TD pass from Reis to Mason Kualii-Moe to make it 14-6.

The Bulldogs scored the first of two unusual TDs in the third quarter. Kaimuki fumbled a punt, but Brandon Kekoa fielded the loose ball and returned it 50 yards for a TD to make it 21-6 with 8:11 in the third quarter.

Kaimuki added to its lead at 9:36 in the fourth quarter when RB Tre Paderes scored on an eight-yard run to make it 27-6.

Later in the game, Kualii-Moe intercepted a Bayata pass at the Kaimuki 15. He lateraled the ball to Lio Kelekolio at midfield, and Kelekolio raced to the end zone to complete the 85-yard interception return to make it 34-12.

The Chargers were without their leading rusher, Cyrus Coen, who was injured.


Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at [email protected].