HILO — When given gifts, Keaau scored a pair of touchdowns, giving the hometown team something to feel good about. But when Lahainaluna wasn’t generous, the going was pretty rough for the Cougars in a preseason football game that doubled as a learning experience.
The Cougars got a harsh lesson in the value of plugging holes, which sprung open time and again. The Lunas, a Division II team from the Maui Interscholastic League, pretty much ran at will, rushing for more than 200 yards and scoring all five touchdowns on the ground.
However, there were a few Keaau highlights. Shannon Nihipali scored on a 57-yard interception return in the second quarter, and running quarterback Jared Quihano-Makaweo plunged into the end zone for a 3-yard score in the third period.
The Lunas (1-0) quickly made themselves at home at Wong Stadium (serving as Keaau’s residence during field renovations), scoring on three straight possessions to grab a 21-0 cushion, which raised the anxiety level for the Cougars (0-1) and their faithful.
Lahainaluna quarterback Kiko Kohler-Fonohema scored on a 35-yard run at the end of the first quarter. John Lacuesta followed with a 4-yard touchdown run, set up by Jared Rocha-Isalas’ 45-yard romp on the Luna’s first possession of the second period.
On the next series, Brandon Kaina snagged an interception to give the Lunas golden field position at Keaau’s 43-yard line. Seven plays later, Christian Whitehead plowed in for a 1-yard score and a 21-0 lead.
Keaau’s spirits were healthy and alive to start the second half. The defense forced a three-and-out and put enough pressure to force a muffed punt, handing the Cougars the ball at Lahainaluna’s 21.
On third and goal, Quihano-Makaweo scored on a quarterback keeper, putting an emotional charge into the Cougars.
It didn’t last long.
That good vibe got drained about five minutes later when Semisi Filikitonga burst loose for a 45-yard touchdown run.
In the fourth, Filikitonga scored again, this time going untouched on a simple off-tackle play for 40 yards. The Lunas ran out of multiple formations, including the Double Wing-T. Almost everything worked.
Meanwhile, Nihipali also had a tackle for loss, Makana Fraser had a quarterback sack, and Talon Ota was perfect on PATs, adding to Keaau’s highlights.
Lahainaluna 7 14 7 7 — 35
Keaau 0 7 7 0 — 14
First quarter
Lah — Kiko Kohler-Fonohema 7 run (Jared Rocha-Isalas kick), 17.3
Second quarter
Lah — John Lacuesta 4 run (Rocha-Isalas kick), 9:06
Lah — John Whitehead 1 run (Rocha-Isalas kick), 4:43
Kea — Shannon Nihipali 57 interception (Talon Ota kick), 2:04
Third quarter
Kea — Jared Quihano-Makaweo 3 run (Ota kick), 8:07
Lah — Semisi Filikitonga 45 run (Rocha-Isalas kick), 2:58
Fourth quarter
Lah — Filikitonga 40 run (Rocha-Isalas kick), 9:36
