High School Football Thrillers: Kapolei’s Comeback & Waialua’s Double OT Win

This past weekend, high school football in Hawaii delivered some thrilling matchups, showcasing incredible comebacks, defensive efforts, and nail-biting finishes. Two games, in particular, stood out for their intensity and the determination displayed by the teams. In a hard-fought battle, fifth-ranked Kapolei outlasted an upset-minded Farrington, while Waialua survived a double-overtime scare against Kalaheo.

Kapolei Battles Back to Defeat Farrington

In a tense contest on Friday night, fifth-ranked Kapolei trailed for much of the game against eighth-ranked Farrington. Farrington held the lead for nearly two quarters, giving Kapolei all they could handle. But in the end, Kapolei came out on top with a 21-10 victory, thanks to a strong fourth-quarter performance.

The game started with both teams showing off their defences. For much of the game, Farrington kept Kapolei’s star player, Liatama Amisone, in check, limiting him to just 80 yards passing and two interceptions. This was a significant accomplishment for Farrington’s defence, as Amisone had been one of the most dangerous players in the league.

However, Amisone made his mark when it mattered most. He was involved in all three of Kapolei’s touchdowns, scoring a pivotal three-yard run early in the fourth quarter to put his team ahead 14-10. Amisone added a game-sealing 25-yard touchdown run with under three minutes left in regulation. He finished the night with 157 rushing yards on 21 carries, his second 150-plus-yard game.

Kapolei’s defence also shined in this game. They held Farrington to just 183 total yards and sacked the opposing quarterback six times. Jenisen Pave was a standout player, recording five sacks and nine tackles, seven solo efforts. The defence also contributed a key interception and forced a fumble, which was crucial in securing the win.

Farrington’s defence, meanwhile, did everything they could to keep their team in the game. Everest Rodriguez and Lauititi Liufau recorded double-digit tackles in the loss, and the defensive line consistently applied pressure to Amisone. Despite their best efforts, Kapolei’s fourth-quarter push proved too much to handle.

Farrington’s Early Lead and Defensive Strength

Farrington showed resilience in the first half, taking advantage of Kapolei’s offensive struggles. After tying the game with a fumble recovery by Koloi Keli in the second quarter, Farrington took the lead with a 38-yard field goal by Ku Ponciano. This lead held until halftime, with Farrington poised to pull off the upset.

However, Kapolei’s persistence eventually paid off in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes broke through with two touchdowns in the final frame, turning a tight game into a decisive victory. Despite the loss, Farrington can take pride in their performance, as they showed they could compete with one of the top teams in the state.

Waialua Edges Kalaheo in Double Overtime Thriller

In another thrilling game on Saturday night, Waialua and Kalaheo battled it out in a contest that went into double overtime. In the end, Waialua held on for a dramatic 37-34 victory, thanks to a game-winning field goal and a crucial defensive stop in the second overtime period.

The game was filled with big plays, but special teams and defence made the difference. Waialua’s kicker, Kaies Demello, nailed a 27-yard field goal in the second overtime to give his team a three-point lead. Kalaheo had a chance to respond to the ensuing possession, but Waialua’s defence came up big. On 4th and 9, Germaine Bagasol broke up a pass in the endzone, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs.

A Game of Momentum Shifts

The game was back-and-forth, with both teams trading leads and momentum throughout the night. Kalaheo took their first lead early in the third quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jude Weber to Chance Baqui, followed by a two-point conversion run by Matthew Pyne. Kalaheo’s offence continued to roll, and Pyne added another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, giving his team a 28-14 lead.

However, Waialua refused to go down quietly. Running back Rayden Wilson was the star of the night, carrying the ball 26 times for 202 yards and scoring three critical touchdowns. Wilson’s two fourth-quarter touchdowns helped tie the game at 28, forcing overtime.

In the first overtime, both teams traded scores. Wilson added a one-yard touchdown for Waialua, while Pyne answered with his third touchdown of the game for Kalaheo. But when the game moved into the second overtime, Waialua’s defence held strong, and Demello’s field goal proved to be the difference.

Defensive Stands and Key Performances

Despite the offensive fireworks, both teams also had standout performances on defence. Kalaheo’s Sean Ucciardi was a force on defence, recording ten tackles, including five for losses and forcing a fumble. His efforts kept Kalaheo in the game and gave them a chance to win in overtime.

Waialua’s defence also came up big when it mattered most. In addition to Bagasol’s game-winning pass breakup, the Bulldogs’ defence made several key stops in the second half to keep Kalaheo from pulling away. Wilson, who starred on offence, also contributed five tackles and a fumble recovery, showcasing his all-around talent.

Looking Ahead for Waialua and Kalaheo

With the win, Waialua improved to 3-1 in league play, putting them in a strong position heading into the season’s final stretch. They still have games against Kaiser, Kalani, and Roosevelt, which will be critical as they aim to secure a top spot in the standings.

On the other hand, Kalaheo fell to 1-3 in OIA D2 play. Despite the loss, they showed they have the potential to compete with any team in the league. If they can build on the positives from this game, particularly their offensive performance, they can finish the season on a high note.

Conclusion: High School Football at Its Best

The games between Kapolei and Farrington and Waialua and Kalaheo showcased the best of high school football in Hawaii. Both contests featured intense competition, strong defensive play, and late-game heroics. As the season progresses, these teams will continue to battle for playoff positioning, and fans can expect even more exciting matchups in the coming weeks.

Whether it’s a comeback win by a top-five team like Kapolei or a double-overtime thriller featuring Waialua and Kalaheo, high school football remains as thrilling as ever. The players on these teams left everything on the field, and their efforts will be remembered as some of the season’s best performances. Fans can’t wait to see what happens next.