Nanakuli RB Khade Paris rushed for 135 yards and a score against Konawaena. ScoringLive file photo

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Brien Ing, Melissa Ing | SL

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Down 17 points at halftime in the first round of the First Hawaiian Bank/HHSAA Division II state tournament, Nanakuli found the road to a comeback in Kealakekua went through Paris.

The 5-foot-6, 174 pound Khade churned his way for 135 yards and a touchdown to lead the way in the Golden Hawks heart-stopping 25-23 win over the Wildcats.

"My role was to be a leader, and keep everybody's heads up" said Paris. "Keep encouraging everybody to push hard, work hard."

The senior running back also let his performance on the field speak volumes, exploding for 119 yards on 16 second half carries, one of them a 23-yard rumble untouched, to get the Golden Hawks within striking distance.

"I just found one opening up the middle and I just felt like I was running for my life." remarked Paris. "I just sprinted as hard as I could and there I was in the endzone."

Paris credited his team's worth ethic and commitment in practice as keys to success, but was quick to point out that there is still work left to do.

"I believe that we could make it to the championship game and take the title, but we still yet gotta work exta hard, keep pushing."

The next stop on Nanakuli's quest for a state title, a match up with MIL champion Lahainaluna at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.

TOP PERFORMERS WEEK 14

Nanakuli DB Eric Au Hoon-Kaawa had a sack and a forced fumble against Konawaena.

Radford DB Cayman Conley had 2 interceptions against Kauai.

Baldwin QB Keelan Ewaliko rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown and added two field goals and an XP against Mililani.

Mililani RB Dayton Furuta rushed for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns against Baldwin.

Konawaena WR Kenan Gaspar had 4 receptions for 132 yards against Nanakuli.

Kealakehe RB Lennox Jones rushed for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns against Farrington.

Konawaena QB Lii Karratti passed for 295 yards and a touchdown, and added another score on the ground against Nanakuli.

Kauai RB Reggie McFadden rushed for 83 yards and a touchdown against Radford.

Konawaena WR Domonic Morris had 3 receptions for 111 yards and a touchdown against Nanakuli.

Nanakuli RB Khade Paris rushed for 134 yards and a touchdown against Konawaena.

Radford WR Jameson Pasigan had 9 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown against Kauai.

Mililani WR Ekolu Ramos had 8 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown against Baldwin.

Radford DB Logan Soakai had a 20 yard interception return for touchdown against Kauai.

Farrington RB Abraham Silva rushed for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns against Kealakehe.

Farrington RB Tyler Taumua rushed for 144 yards and 3 touchdowns against Kealakehe.

Konawaena DB Ryan Torres-Torioka had 2 interceptions against Nanakuli.

Mililani DL Dakota Turner recorded a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery against Baldwin.