Waianae grinds out key road win over Waipahu

Waianae RB Alakai Kealoha runs in a for score against Waipahu. Johnny Wilson | Special to SL

WAIPAHU - In a virtual must-win for Waianae, the Seariders grinded out a key victory on the road against Waipahu, 23-20, on the Marauders' senior and homecoming night at Masa Yonamine Athletic Complex.

"It was a win that we really needed," said Searider coach Dan Matsumoto. "It means a lot. Waianae is a football community. When we win, I think the whole community feels it."

Coming into this game, Waianae (1-2 OIA, 2-3 Overall) had two consecutive losses to Kapolei and Mililani. The win Friday night was able to relieve some pressure off the Seariders backs.

"A win is a big plus for us," said Matsumoto. "I know it's been tough the past games. It's been real hard on us."

Waipahu (1-2, 1-4) got on the board late in the first quarter. With about 2:30 left to go, junior Terrance Lauti powered his way through the Waianae defense for a two yard score.

The score by Lauti was the only score of the first quarter. Waipahu went into the second leading 7-0.

"We did poorly on both sides. We just did enough to get by, said Matsumoto. "We let big plays go on defense and on offense we didn't finish our drives. We got lucky tonight."

Waianae would respond with two scores going into the half. The first came from a 6 yard roll out pitch and catch from junior quarterback Kekoa Kaluhiokalani to senior Alakai Kealoha. The second score would come off the leg of senior Jacoby Cid. With 8.3 seconds left to go until the half, Cid hit 24 yard field goal to set the score at 10-7 going into the locker rooms.

"A good boost for our team," said Kaluhiokalani. "Our backs were against the wall coming into this game. This win helps a lot."

Kaluhiokalani would score again for Waianae in the middle of the third. An 11 yard pass connecting with senior Keanu Chung would let the Seariders go up 16-7.

"Kekoa did well tonight," said Matsumoto. "Kekoa has picked up his passing game. He's such a poised kid."

Waipahu would be held scoreless in the second and third quarter of play.

Waianae got on the board again with a one yard rushing core from junior Jeremy Willes. That touchdown coming at the top of the fourth would increase the lead to 23-7.

"It was nice to see our offense move the ball," said Matsumoto. "We still got to be more consistent at what we do."

Reach Aven Santiago at [email protected].