ScoringLiveHigh School Football Roundup: Comebacks and Overtime Thrillers in Hawaii
This past weekend, high school football in Hawaii delivered excitement at its finest, featuring comeback victories and heart-pounding overtime moments. Fans from across the state were treated to games filled with intense battles, defensive standoffs, and incredible offensive plays. Two games, in particular, stood out, with fifth-ranked Kapolei edging out Farrington in a comeback victory, while Waialua held on for a thrilling double-overtime win against Kalaheo. These games not only showcased the talent on the field but also kept fans at the edge of their seats, reinforcing why high school football continues to be a fan favorite.
Kapolei’s Comeback Shocks Farrington
Kapolei, ranked fifth, came into the game against eighth-ranked Farrington knowing they had a challenge ahead of them. Farrington was determined to cause an upset and took an early lead, holding the advantage for nearly two quarters. However, in the end, it was Kapolei’s resilience and determination that pushed them to a 21–10 victory.
The game started as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to make significant progress on offense. Farrington’s defense shined early, containing Kapolei’s star quarterback, Liatama Amisone, limiting him to just 80 yards passing and intercepting him twice. This was a remarkable performance by Farrington’s defense, as Amisone had been one of the top quarterbacks in the league. The Govs’ defense held strong for much of the game, preventing Kapolei from finding their usual rhythm on offense.
But in the fourth quarter, Kapolei finally broke through. Amisone, despite his struggles in the air, found success on the ground. He was involved in all three of Kapolei’s touchdowns, including a critical three-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, giving Kapolei their first lead of the game. Amisone sealed the game with a 25-yard touchdown run, adding to his impressive 157 rushing yards on the night. This performance marked the second time this season that Amisone rushed for over 150 yards, proving his dual-threat capabilities.
On the defensive side of the ball, Kapolei’s unit was just as dominant. They held Farrington to just 183 total yards of offense and racked up six sacks. Jenisen Pave was a standout player, recording five sacks and nine tackles. Farrington’s offense struggled to find its footing throughout the game, unable to capitalize on their early momentum.
Farrington’s Early Dominance Falls Short
Despite the loss, Farrington showed promise and grit throughout the game. They took advantage of Kapolei’s early offensive struggles, tying the game in the second quarter with a defensive touchdown. Offensive lineman Koloi Keli scooped up a fumble at the one-yard line and returned it for the score. Farrington took the lead shortly after with a 38-yard field goal from Ku Ponciano, and for much of the game, it looked like they might pull off the upset.
Farrington’s defense, led by Everest Rodriguez and Lauititi Liufau, kept the team in the game. Both players recorded double-digit tackles, and the defense consistently pressured Amisone, forcing him into difficult situations. However, Kapolei’s late surge proved too much for Farrington to handle, and the Hurricanes left the field with a hard-earned victory.
Waialua Triumphs Over Kalaheo in Double Overtime
In one of the most thrilling games of the weekend, Waialua and Kalaheo faced off in a battle that came down to double overtime. Waialua ultimately secured a 37–34 victory, thanks to clutch plays on both offense and defense. It was a game filled with momentum swings, incredible offensive performances, and crucial defensive stands.
Waialua took an early lead, scoring on the game’s opening drive with a 14-yard touchdown run by quarterback Emery Abilla. Abilla also connected with Sky Hirota for a 13-yard touchdown pass later in the first half, giving Waialua a 14–7 lead at halftime.
Kalaheo, however, came out strong in the second half. They took their first lead of the game in the third quarter, with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Jude Weber to Chance Baqui. Running back Matthew Pyne added a two-point conversion to extend the lead. Pyne, who rushed for 121 yards and three touchdowns, was a key player for Kalaheo throughout the game. His two-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter gave Kalaheo a 28–14 lead, the largest lead by either team.
But Waialua refused to go quietly. Running back Rayden Wilson was the hero for Waialua, carrying the ball 26 times for 202 yards and scoring three crucial touchdowns. Wilson’s two fourth-quarter touchdown runs helped tie the game and force overtime. In the first overtime, Wilson scored again on a one-yard plunge, but Kalaheo answered with a touchdown of their own to send the game into a second overtime.
In the second overtime, Waialua’s kicker, Kaies Demello, made a 27-yard field goal to give his team a three-point lead. On Kalaheo’s next possession, Waialua’s defense stepped up. On 4th and 9, Germaine Bagasol broke up a pass in the endzone, sealing the victory for Waialua and sending their fans into a frenzy.
Key Performances on Defense
While the offenses grabbed most of the headlines, both games featured standout performances on defense. Waialua’s defense, led by Bagasol and Wilson, made several crucial stops throughout the game. Wilson, who starred on offense, also contributed on defense with five tackles and a fumble recovery. Bagasol’s game-winning pass breakup in double overtime was the highlight of the night, securing the win for Waialua.
Kalaheo’s defense was also impressive, despite the loss. Linebacker Sean Ucciardi was a force on defense, recording 10 tackles, five of them for losses, and forcing a fumble. His efforts kept Kalaheo in the game and gave them a chance to win in overtime. Jeremyah Toilolo added 11 tackles of his own, providing solid support for the Mustangs.
Looking Ahead for Kapolei, Farrington, Waialua, and Kalaheo
With their victory, Kapolei improved to 6–1 on the season and continues to build momentum as they head into the final stretch of the season. Their defense has been a strong point all year, and with Amisone’s ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, they are a team to watch as the playoffs approach.
Farrington, despite the loss, showed they can compete with the top teams in the state. They’ll look to build on their strong defensive performance as they prepare for their remaining games.
Waialua’s victory over Kalaheo moved them to 3–1 in league play, and with games against Kaiser, Kalani, and Roosevelt still to come, they are in a strong position to make a run at the playoffs. Their ability to come back from a two-touchdown deficit and win in double overtime shows their resilience and determination.
Kalaheo, meanwhile, fell to 1–3 in league play, but their performance against Waialua was a step in the right direction. If they can continue to get strong performances from players like Pyne and Ucciardi, they could still finish the season on a positive note.
Conclusion
The weekend’s high school football action in Hawaii delivered in a big way, with late-game comebacks, strong defensive efforts, and thrilling overtime finishes. Kapolei and Waialua both earned hard-fought victories, showcasing their determination and talent. As the season continues, fans can expect more exciting matchups and unforgettable moments on the gridiron. High school football remains a source of pride and excitement for communities across Hawaii, and this weekend’s games were a perfect example of why the sport is so beloved. Read More!
With performances like these, it’s clear that Hawaii high school football is in great shape, and the competition is only going to get fiercer as the season progresses. Keep an eye on scoringlive for more updates and insights into the games and the players who are making an impact every week.