WAIMEA — It was a battle of option offenses in Waimea, and while Damien flowed like a team with two games under their belt, Hawaii Prep sputtered in their first and only test of the preseason.
The Monarchs (3-0) of the ILH used nearly 300 yards on the ground and touchdown scores from five different players to take down Hawaii Prep 41-7 on Saturday.
“We are still a work in progress and expect to improve a lot,” Hawaii Prep head coach Jordan Hayslip said. “A lot of guys played both ways and it was hot out there. But give Damien credit. They came ready to play.”
The Hawaii Prep (0-1) offense never managed to find a rhythm. Ka Makani tried out three different players at quarterback and did not complete a pass all game. Damien outgained Hawaii Prep in total yardage 357-132.
The lone offensive highlight of the game for Ka Makani came in the final five minutes when senior Anthony Palleschi rumbled 46 yards on a dive up the middle for a score.
Palleschi provided big plays on both sides of the ball. From his middle linebacker spot he racked up 10 tackles and 3.5 sacks — including a jarring hit on Damien quarterback Marcus Faufata-Pedrina in the first half.
“Anthony had a great performance on both sides of the ball,” Hayslip said. “Guy has an incredible motor and is a great leader for us.”
On the opening kickoff Damien opted for an onside kick and recovered. From there, the Monarchs went on a seven play, 46-yard drive, capped by a 5-yard touchdown run by Justice White.
Hawaii Prep turned the ball over on its first three possessions (two fumbles, one interception) and closed the first half with a turnover on downs and a punt.
Palleschi and defensive end Kanai Gaughen provided some big plays on defense and led the way for a Ka Makani front seven that brought pressure nearly every play.
Damien finally started figuring out a solution for Ka Makani’s relentless pursuit in the second quarter. Faufata-Pedrina dumped off a screen that went 36 yards into the end zone, but it would be called back because of a holding penalty.
The Monarchs did manage to pick up a first down on the play, despite the penalty, and a few plays later Faufata-Pedrina would step up in the pocket to avoid the rush and scramble 22 yards into the end zone with less than a minute remaining in the half to make it 17-0.
Damien wasn’t done though. After a second recovered onside kick, the Monarchs used a 20-yard completion to set up Kaimana Cameron’s second field goal of the half and entered the break up 20-0.
Damien did not take long to rev up its offense in the second half. Just over a minute into the third quarter, Kepono Kawaakoa ripped off a 46-yard run for a score.
Kawaakoa made a living getting lost in the shuffle of the option. The 5-foot-7 senior back racked up 131 yards on the ground.
Sophomore back Alika Arrechi and senior Courtney Paaga rounded out the touchdown runs for Damien in the second half.
On Hawaii Prep’s final drive of the game, Palleschi ran for gains of 12 and seven yards before finding a lane for his 46-yard score.
Hawaii Prep opens the BIIF season on Saturday against Hilo at home.
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Damien 7 13 14 7 —41
Hawaii Prep 0 0 0 7 — 7
First quarter
DAM —Justice White 5-yard run (Kaimana Cameron kick good)
Second Quarter
DAM — Cameron 22-yard FG
DAM – Marcus Faufata-Pedrina 22 yard run (Cameron kick good)
DAM — Cameron 32-yard FG
Third quarter
DAM — Kepono Kawaakoa 46-yard run (Cameron kick good)
DAM — Alika Arrechi 1-yard run (Cameron kick good) 3:43
Fourth quarter
DAM — Courtney Paaga 15-yard run (Cameron kick good) 7:51
HPA — Anthony Palleschi 44-yard run (Alex Brost kick good) 3:05
